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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. 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 it does not matter.
(d) Dawkins says that they are definitely not "life."

3. If two genes normally cooperate, what happens when one gene is missing?
(a) The other gene still has an effect, but the total result is not the same.
(b) The other gene still causes the same total result.
(c) The other gene still causes the same total result but intermittently.
(d) The other gene no longer has any effect.

4. Why does Dawkins say kind or cooperative behavior arises?
(a) Because other kind or cooperative behavior promotes it.
(b) Because other factors besides natural selection are in play.
(c) Because it allows a gene to achieve a selfish goal.
(d) Because it promotes the good of the whole species.

5. What two opposites does Dawkins say he is examining the biology of?
(a) Rationality and emotionalism.
(b) Selfishness and altruism.
(c) Individuality and community.
(d) Self-centeredness and other-centeredness.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of animals does the intruder retreat experiment by Niko Tinbergen use?

2. What is the smallest unit that is reproduced and carried on through natural selection?

3. What shape does the author say water molecules in space make?

4. What is a "war of attrition" based on in ESS?

5. What would give longevity to early self-duplicating molecules, according to Dawkins?

(see the answer key)

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