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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Dawkins call the molecule that he imagines as the first molecule to make copies of itself?
(a) The duplicator.
(b) The replicator.
(c) The proto-RNA.
(d) The chicken-and-egg molecule.

2. What does Dawkins postulate maintains sexual reproduction as a feature?
(a) The sexual reproduction gene trying to copy itself.
(b) The impossibility of asexual reproduction.
(c) The desireability of genetic mutations.
(d) The need for genetic variation.

3. What mixture tends to arrive in ESS simulations of multiple types of behavior?
(a) A mix of hawks, doves, and bullies.
(b) A mix of retaliators, doves, and prober-retaliators.
(c) A mix of proper-retaliators, hawks, and doves.
(d) A mix of retaliators, bullies, and hawks.

4. What does Dawkins describe as "intruder retreat" behavior?
(a) Groups tend to retreat when an intruder is in the area.
(b) The entity intruding into an unknown situation tends to retreat.
(c) Strangers tend to consider each other intruders and retreat.
(d) Entities tend to retreat from aggressive intruders.

5. What would not have existed in early oceans, that would have allowed amino acids and proteins to exist for long periods of time, to slowly develop into more complex forms?
(a) Sunlight.
(b) Electricity.
(c) Enemies.
(d) Acids.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. What type of math does the author discuss that's used to model how real animals behave in the world?

4. What does Dawkins say points to the idea that all living things come from the same types of early molecules?

5. What fundamental question does Dawkins want to consider?

(see the answer key)

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