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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What shape does the author say water molecules in space make?
(a) Round.
(b) Spiral.
(c) Elliptical.
(d) Octagonal.

2. What process does the existence of Dawkins' imagined early molecules closely resemble?
(a) Crystalization.
(b) Hybridization.
(c) Evolution.
(d) Diffusion.

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

4. How does Darwin characterize the idea that the goal of evolution is for a species to survive, so individuals will take actions that are good for the species?
(a) As probable.
(b) As unscientific.
(c) As fundamental to evolution.
(d) As a reasonable alternative hypothesis.

5. What does Dawkins describe life forms as?
(a) Projections of self-copying molecules into a new dimension.
(b) Simple enlargements of self-copying molecules.
(c) Multiplications of self-copying molecules.
(d) Machines to protect competing self-copying molecules.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does the author say that human beings think of their own species?

3. What example of the type of valued human behavior that perhaps influences people to believe in group selection does Dawkins give?

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

5. Does the author believe that genetically inherited traits cannot be changed?

(see the answer key)

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