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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What would happen to an early molecule that made many more copies of itself than other molecules made of themselves?
(a) There would be too many copies identical to the original, and they would mutually destruct.
(b) There would be a lower chance of copies of it surviving.
(c) There would be a greater chance of copies of it surviving.
(d) There would be fewer copies that were similar to the original.

2. What does Dawkins suggest fooling certain genes into thinking the body is younger might do?
(a) Decrease genetic variation.
(b) Increase reproduction.
(c) Increase lifespan.
(d) Decrease mutation.

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

4. What type of animal brains does Dawkins say are most successful?
(a) Animal brains that can communicate quickly.
(b) Animal brians that can analyze input.
(c) Animal brains that can learn.
(d) Animal brians that can creat instinctive action.

5. Which cells in an organism contain the creature's DNA?
(a) Interstitial cells.
(b) All of them.
(c) Paraxial cells.
(d) Barrier funciton cells.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the author compare nerves to?

2. In Dawkins' metaphor about DNA, what does the bookshelf represent?

3. What is the name of the bee disease that Dawkins mentions in his example?

4. What example of the type of valued human behavior that perhaps influences people to believe in group selection does Dawkins give?

5. In Dawkins' metaphor about DNA, how many books are on the bookshelf?

(see the answer key)

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