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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Dawkins' metaphor about DNA, what does the bookshelf represent?
(a) A chromosome.
(b) A single cell.
(c) A strand of DNA.
(d) A cell nucleus.

2. What shape does the author say water molecules in space make?
(a) Spiral.
(b) Round.
(c) Octagonal.
(d) Elliptical.

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

4. What does Dawkins postulate would preserve a gene forever?
(a) A being that used only one gene.
(b) An undying being continuing to reproduce.
(c) A being that passed on all its DNA through sexual reproduction.
(d) A gene that caused nothing but remained in the DNA.

5. In the set of bees Dawkins mentions that deal with this disease, what does one gene the bees have do?
(a) Cause the bees to sting sick baby bees.
(b) Cause the bees to overfeed sick baby bees.
(c) Cause the bees to open cells where sick baby bees are.
(d) Cause the bees to withhold honey from sick baby bees.

Short Answer Questions

1. What apparently unselfish behavior of small birds does the author describe?

2. What type of animal brains does Dawkins say are most successful?

3. What would molecules that started to manufacture energy using the sun eventually become?

4. What apparently selfish act of gulls does the author describe?

5. In the science fiction story Dawkins cites, is the machine created by the instructions beneficial or dangerous?

(see the answer key)

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