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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 2.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What would competition between early self-copying molecules be over?
(a) Space.
(b) Building-block molecules.
(c) Gaseous molecules.
(d) Water.

2. What apparently unselfish behavior of small birds does the author describe?
(a) Protecting another bird's eggs.
(b) Drawing the attention of a hawk to itself and away from the flock.
(c) Bringing excess food to others in the flock.
(d) Staying awake to warn the flock of approaching predators.

3. Does the author believe that all people should act selfishly?
(a) Yes, he believes selfish behavior has positive results.
(b) No, and he believes people will not naturally act selfishly.
(c) Yes, he believes that selfish behavior is natural and therefore good, despite negative results.
(d) No, he believes people should try to overcome selfish natural tendancies.

4. What would molecules that broke down other self-copying molecules and used their parts eventually become?
(a) Single-celled organisms.
(b) Animals.
(c) Plants.
(d) Inorganic materials.

5. What would give longevity to early self-duplicating molecules, according to Dawkins?
(a) Smaller numbers of elements.
(b) Larger numbers of components.
(c) Greater flexibility.
(d) Greater stability.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Dawkins characterize the natural world in his discussion of selfishness?

2. Why does Dawkins say kind or cooperative behavior arises?

3. What apparently selfish act of the penguin does the author describe?

4. What would molecules that grouped and built protective walls around themselves become?

5. What fundamental question does Dawkins want to consider?

(see the answer key)

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