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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 2.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Dawkins describe life forms as?
(a) Multiplications of self-copying molecules.
(b) Simple enlargements of self-copying molecules.
(c) Projections of self-copying molecules into a new dimension.
(d) Machines to protect competing self-copying molecules.

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

3. What would molecules that grouped and built protective walls around themselves become?
(a) Animals.
(b) Plants.
(c) Single-celled organisms.
(d) Inorganic materials.

4. What almost always happens when copies of things are made, according to Dawkins?
(a) Mistakes in the copies.
(b) Confusion between copies and originals.
(c) Conflict between the copies.
(d) An overabundance of copies.

5. How does the author say that human beings think of their own species?
(a) As exempt from the laws of natural selection.
(b) As able to rise above animal drives.
(c) As a goal that evolution has achieved.
(d) As more imporant than other species.

Short Answer Questions

1. What apparently unselfish act of a bee does the author describe?

2. Why does the author use the word "apparently" to describe selfish or unselfish behavior?

3. What molecules does Dawkins say existed in ancient seas and formed amino acids?

4. What process does the existence of Dawkins' imagined early molecules closely resemble?

5. What shape does the author say water molecules in space make?

(see the answer key)

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