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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. How does Dawkins characterize the natural world in his discussion of selfishness?
(a) As biased toward selecting particular behaviors.
(b) As alternately friendly and unfriendly.
(c) As well-balanced and selective.
(d) As dangerous and competitive.

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

4. According to Dawkins, is there a genetic reason to favor one child over others?
(a) Yes, different children have different genetic relatedness to parents.
(b) No, but there are circumstantial reasons.
(c) Yes, but these genetic reasons are unusual.
(d) No, there are no genetic or other reasons to favor one child.

5. What process does the existence of Dawkins' imagined early molecules closely resemble?
(a) Evolution.
(b) Diffusion.
(c) Hybridization.
(d) Crystalization.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Wynne-Edwards believe about birth rates?

2. What factors are part of Dawkins' net benefit score?

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

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

5. What does Wynne-Edwards teach?

(see the answer key)

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