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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 "life."
(c) Dawkins says it does not matter.
(d) Dawkins says that they are definitely not "life."

2. In the science fiction story Dawkins cites, what do the instructions make?
(a) A space ship.
(b) An energy generator.
(c) A time travel machine.
(d) A computer.

3. What apparently selfish act of the penguin does the author describe?
(a) Hiding behind other penguins when a predator is spotted.
(b) Shoving each other to see who will fall off a cliff.
(c) Stealing food from a baby penguin's mouth.
(d) Stealing other penguins' eggs.

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

5. In the science fiction story Dawkins cites, who sends instructions through time?
(a) Future humans.
(b) Robots.
(c) Aliens.
(d) Intelligent animals.

Short Answer Questions

1. What apparently unselfish behavior of small birds does the author describe?

2. In Dawkins' metaphor about DNA, what does the bookshelf represent?

3. What would molecules that grouped and built protective walls around themselves become?

4. How does Dawkins characterize the natural world in his discussion of selfishness?

5. According to Dawkins, are mistakes in fidelity good or bad?

(see the answer key)

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