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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What shape does the author say water molecules in space make?
(a) Spiral.
(b) Elliptical.
(c) Round.
(d) Octagonal.

2. In early reproducing molecules, what is the measure of "success"?
(a) That there are more molecules around that are like 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 chemical reactions that can use the molecule.

3. What does Dawkins suggest fooling certain genes into thinking the body is younger might do?
(a) Decrease genetic variation.
(b) Increase reproduction.
(c) Increase lifespan.
(d) Decrease mutation.

4. According to Dawkins, are mistakes in fidelity good or bad?
(a) They are always good.
(b) They are neither good nor bad.
(c) They are usually good, but sometimes bad.
(d) They are always bad.

5. In the science fiction story Dawkins cites, is the machine created by the instructions beneficial or dangerous?
(a) It is neither dangerous nor beneficial.
(b) It is beneficial.
(c) It is both beneficial and dangerous, at different times.
(d) It is dangerous.

Short Answer Questions

1. What fundamental question does Dawkins want to consider?

2. What does Dawkins say readers can think of DNA as?

3. According to Dawkins, are the self-copying molecules that Dawkins discusses "life" or not?

4. If two genes normally cooperate, what happens when one gene is missing?

5. When a cell creates a sperm cell or egg cell with reduced DNA, what is the process called?

(see the answer key)

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