View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 11.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What animals does the author mention as examples of animals that work hard to rescue or save others?
(a) Zebras and sharks.
(b) Lions and dolphins.
(c) Bears and squids.
(d) Baboons and whales.

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

3. What does Dawkins demonstrate using the net benefit score?
(a) That it is to an organism's genes' benefit to alert family members to poisonous food sources.
(b) That it is to an organism's genes' benefit to alert family members to natural hazards.
(c) That it is to an organism's genes' benefit to show relatives that food is available.
(d) That it is to an organism's genes' benefit to alert family members of a predator.

4. Which of the following is not a meme?
(a) An ancient tree.
(b) A painting.
(c) A scientific theory.
(d) A philosophical idea.

5. In early reproducing molecules, what is the measure of "success"?
(a) That there are more chemical reactions that can use the molecule.
(b) That there are fewer ways for the molecule to be destroyed.
(c) That there are more copies of the molecule, whether they are accurate or not.
(d) That there are more molecules around that are like the molecule.

Short Answer Questions

1. Does Dawkins believe that long-surviving memes must have an advantage to the survival of humans?

2. What does longevity provide to an early molecule, according to Dawkins?

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

4. Why might mates favor offspring over their mate, according to Dawkins?

5. Does Dawkins believe that life could exist on other planets?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 442 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample