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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does the author use the word "apparently" to describe selfish or unselfish behavior?
(a) Because behavior may only seem selfish or unselfish.
(b) Because he doesn't really believe in the terms selfish and unselfish.
(c) Because he doesn't believe the examples he is citing are necessarily true.
(d) Because he is only concerned about appearances of selfishness.

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

3. What apparently unselfish behavior of small birds does the author describe?
(a) Bringing excess food to others in the flock.
(b) Staying awake to warn the flock of approaching predators.
(c) Protecting another bird's eggs.
(d) Drawing the attention of a hawk to itself and away from the flock.

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

5. What is the smallest unit that is reproduced and carried on through natural selection?
(a) A DNA strand.
(b) A chromosome.
(c) A cell.
(d) A gene.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What behavior does the author cite about how elephant seals relate to rivals?

3. What does the Watt Governor machine regulate?

4. What fundamental question does Dawkins want to consider?

5. In the science fiction story Dawkins cites, who sends instructions through time?

(see the answer key)

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