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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 3.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What happens in inversion?
(a) A nucleotide is inserted backwards in DNA.
(b) A gene is inserted backwards on a strand of DNA.
(c) DNA is inserted backwards in a chromosome.
(d) Chromosomes are inserted backwards in a cell nucleus.

3. In early reproducing molecules, what is the measure of "success"?
(a) That there are more copies of the molecule, whether they are accurate or not.
(b) That there are more molecules around that are like the molecule.
(c) That there are fewer ways for the molecule to be destroyed.
(d) That there are more chemical reactions that can use the molecule.

4. What does the author suggest might be better wording than "survival of the fittest"?
(a) Survival of the stable.
(b) Survival of the most reliable.
(c) Survival of the most adaptable.
(d) Survival of the best.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which cells in an organism contain the creature's DNA?

2. What would competition between early self-copying molecules be over?

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

4. According to Dawkins, are mistakes in fidelity good or bad?

5. How does the author define intelligent life?

(see the answer key)

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