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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What does Dawkins say that evolution is about?
(a) The good of a species.
(b) The good of an individual person.
(c) The good of an individual gene.
(d) The good of a particular DNA combination.

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

4. According to Dawkins, are the self-copying molecules that Dawkins discusses "life" or not?
(a) Dawkins says that they are a kind of "life," but not as we know it today.
(b) Dawkins says that they are definitely "life."
(c) Dawkins says that they are definitely not "life."
(d) Dawkins says it does not matter.

5. What would molecules that grouped and built protective walls around themselves become?
(a) Plants.
(b) Inorganic materials.
(c) Single-celled organisms.
(d) Animals.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What apparently selfish act of the praying mantis does the author describe?

3. What does Dawkins postulate would preserve a gene forever?

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

5. 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?

(see the answer key)

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