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

2. According to Dawkins, are mistakes in fidelity good or bad?
(a) They are neither good nor bad.
(b) They are always good.
(c) They are always bad.
(d) They are usually good, but sometimes bad.

3. When a cell divides to make a new cell with identical DNA, what is the process called?
(a) Alleles.
(b) Meiosis.
(c) Plasmosis.
(d) Mitosis.

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

5. What does Dawkins say readers can think of DNA as?
(a) A set of general guidelines.
(b) A dictatorial ruler.
(c) A computer controling the body.
(d) A set of plans.

Short Answer Questions

1. What fundamental question does Dawkins want to consider?

2. What would happen to an early molecule that made many more copies of itself than other molecules made of themselves?

3. What does Dawkins say points to the idea that all living things come from the same types of early molecules?

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

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

(see the answer key)

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