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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What do the letters A, T, C, and G stand for?
(a) Different types of genes.
(b) Different types of nucleotides.
(c) Different types of RNA.
(d) Different types of DNA.

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

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

5. What apparently selfish act of the praying mantis does the author describe?
(a) Fighting over an aphid colony.
(b) A female eating her mate.
(c) Leading another mantis into a spider's web.
(d) Injuring another mantis that enters a claimed territory.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. How common does Dawkins say doubt about evolution is?

4. What does Dawkins describe life forms as?

5. In Dawkins' metaphor about DNA, what represents a gene?

(see the answer key)

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