View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 10.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. What does Dawkins say removes humanity from the cruel and harsh laws of nature?
(a) Humans create environments that protect them from natural laws.
(b) Humans have developed genes for communication, which allows cooperation.
(c) Humans teach children ways to behave and learn better behaviors as adults.
(d) Nothing.

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

5. What does Dawkins say that evolution is about?
(a) The good of an individual person.
(b) The good of an individual gene.
(c) The good of a species.
(d) The good of a particular DNA combination.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Trivers look at breeding as?

2. In early reproducing molecules, what is the measure of "success"?

3. What apparently selfish act of the penguin does the author describe?

4. In Dawkins' example, why might a child try to get extra food, to the detriment of brothers and sisters?

5. What does Dawkins describe some female birds demanding from males?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 414 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample