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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 8.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Does the author believe that all people should act selfishly?
(a) Yes, he believes that selfish behavior is natural and therefore good, despite negative results.
(b) Yes, he believes selfish behavior has positive results.
(c) No, he believes people should try to overcome selfish natural tendancies.
(d) No, and he believes people will not naturally act selfishly.

2. How does Dawkins argue for communication being selfish?
(a) By pointing out that the ends of communiation benefit both parties.
(b) By pointing out that communication always has a main communcator.
(c) By pointing out lying and misleading communications.
(d) By pointing out that communication is only understaken for specific, selfish ends.

3. In Dawkins' description, how does a bully behave?
(a) A bully acts aggressively but then always backs down.
(b) A bully acts aggressively but never confronts an opponent.
(c) A bully acts aggressively but only follows through with weak opponents.
(d) A bully acts aggressively and always fights.

4. According to the relatedness calculations in the book, how closely related is an individual to a cousin?
(a) One-quarter.
(b) One-sixth.
(c) One-eighth.
(d) One.

5. According to the relatedness calculations in the book, how related is a person to him- or herself?
(a) By one.
(b) By zero.
(c) By ten.
(d) By a hundred.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Dawkins point out about different species' attitude toward offspring?

2. What does Wynne-Edwards believe about birth rates?

3. From a gene's point of view, what does Dawkins say an organism is equally related to?

4. What does Dawkins mean by a "selfish gene?"

5. What is the most stable result of the specific ESS simulation Dawkins describes?

(see the answer key)

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