Evolutionary Biology: Universal Darwinism
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Questions and Answers

What is the core idea of universal Darwinism?

  • Natural selection operates on any replicator. (correct)
  • Memes are the only replicators on the planet.
  • Natural selection operates only on genes.
  • Genes are not subject to natural selection.

    • What is a characteristic of a replicator?

  • It is always perfect.
  • It gets itself copied. (correct)
  • It never makes errors.
  • It cannot be copied.

    • What is the main difference between genes and memes as replicators?

  • Genes are physical, while memes are abstract. (correct)
  • Genes are replicators, while memes are not.
  • Genes evolve slowly, while memes evolve quickly.
  • Genes are subject to natural selection, while memes are not.

    • What happens to variants of a replicator that have properties that cause them to be copied at a faster rate?

    <p>They come to dominate the replicator population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a meme?

    <p>An idea or belief that can be passed on via social learning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key process that occurs in the transmission of memes?

    <p>Social learning and transmission from one mind to another.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate function of a cultural entity or institution?

    <p>To replicate itself</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the core idea of memetics?

    <p>Memes are subject to natural selection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of 'selfish' cultural artifacts, such as chain letters and hoax emails?

    <p>To pass themselves on</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are memes similar to, in terms of natural selection?

    <p>Genes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a 'selfish' meme?

    <p>A hoax email</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What drives the evolution of cultural artifacts, such as memes?

    <p>Natural selection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential advantage of a meme that promotes its bearer's longevity?

    <p>It increases its chances of being copied by others</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of a meme that shortens its bearer's life?

    <p>It curtails its chances of spreading</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do memes that promote their bearer's reproductive success increase their chances of spreading?

    <p>By increasing the chances of the bearer's children inheriting the meme</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key factor contributing to the success of Christianity as a meme?

    <p>Its teachings include instructions to convert others to the faith</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do religions that proselytize tend to have more adherents than those that do not?

    <p>Because they are more memetically fit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the analogy between sex and proselytizing in the context of memes?

    <p>Sex spreads genes, while proselytizing spreads memes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason why memes survive and spread?

    <p>Because they have properties that keep them in circulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of memes getting better and better at surviving and spreading through cultural competition?

    <p>The world gets more addictive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for a group of memes that coevolve and coordinate with one another?

    <p>Memeplex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the analogy used to describe the success of memes, despite being harmful or useless?

    <p>Junk DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome of selection in culture, similar to selection in biology?

    <p>Creation of an illusion of intelligent design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the concept described by Susan Blackmore as a world full of hosts for memes and far more memes than can possibly find homes?

    <p>Life of Meme-ing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a chain letter?

    <p>To get itself copied and transmitted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What drives the evolution of chain letters?

    <p>The natural selection of variants that are more appealing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do successful chain letters multiply at a faster rate?

    <p>Because they are more effective at getting themselves copied</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common feature of chain letters and hoax computer virus warnings?

    <p>They are both forms of social manipulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to variants of chain letters that are less appealing?

    <p>They are eliminated from the population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the underlying mechanism that drives the evolution of chain letters and memes?

    <p>Blind and mindless selection</p> Signup and view all the answers

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