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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Dawkins call the molecule that he imagines as the first molecule to make copies of itself?
(a) The replicator.
(b) The chicken-and-egg molecule.
(c) The duplicator.
(d) The proto-RNA.

2. How common does Dawkins say doubt about evolution is?
(a) He says it's rare.
(b) He says it's nonexistent.
(c) He says it's common.
(d) He says it's in everyone.

3. What apparently selfish act of gulls does the author describe?
(a) "Ditching" the rest of the flock when a predator is spotted.
(b) Stealing another gull's nest.
(c) Eating others' baby chicks.
(d) Fighting for fish.

4. How does the author say that human beings think of their own species?
(a) As more imporant than other species.
(b) As able to rise above animal drives.
(c) As exempt from the laws of natural selection.
(d) As a goal that evolution has achieved.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What two opposites does Dawkins say he is examining the biology of?

2. Why does the author use the word "apparently" to describe selfish or unselfish behavior?

3. According to Dawkins, are the self-copying molecules that Dawkins discusses "life" or not?

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

5. What would molecules that broke down other self-copying molecules and used their parts eventually become?

(see the answer key)

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