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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When a cell creates a sperm cell or egg cell with reduced DNA, what is the process called?
(a) Plasmosis.
(b) Alleles.
(c) Mitosis.
(d) Meiosis.

2. What would molecules that started to manufacture energy using the sun eventually become?
(a) Plants.
(b) Single-celled organisms.
(c) Inorganic materials.
(d) Animals.

3. In Dawkins' metaphor about DNA, how does he describe the creation of new DNA by sexual reproduction?
(a) Pages are torn out of different books and put together.
(b) Books from different shelves are mixed together on a new shelf.
(c) Two books are combined into one two-volume work.
(d) Two bookshelves are combined into one.

4. Why does the author use the word "apparently" to describe selfish or unselfish behavior?
(a) Because he doesn't really believe in the terms selfish and unselfish.
(b) Because he is only concerned about appearances of selfishness.
(c) Because behavior may only seem selfish or unselfish.
(d) Because he doesn't believe the examples he is citing are necessarily true.

5. What is the smallest unit that is reproduced and carried on through natural selection?
(a) A gene.
(b) A chromosome.
(c) A cell.
(d) A DNA strand.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Dawkins suggest fooling certain genes into thinking the body is younger might do?

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

4. What does the author suggest might be better wording than "survival of the fittest"?

5. When a cell divides to make a new cell with identical DNA, what is the process called?

(see the answer key)

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