Deck 3: B: Biological Psychology

Question 1

What is the maximum value for heritability?

A)0.1
B)1.0
C)10
D)100

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Yani inherited the gene for blue eyes from his mother,but he actually has brown eyes.What is his eye colour phenotype?

A)brown
B)blue
C)both blue and brown
D)Yani does not have a phenotype because he is not heterozygous.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The sequence of nucleotides in DNA represents a code that cells can use to create

A)amino acids.
B)chromosomes.
C)proteins.
D)genes.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Approximately how many genes do humans have?

A)500
B)25 000
C)900 000
D)10 000 000 000

Question 5

The sequence of letters TATAAGGCACCC most likely represents

A)the order of genes on a chromosome.
B)the types of chromosomes in a cell.
C)the order of nucleotides in a gene.
D)the types of DNA in a chromosome.

Question 6

Behavioural genetics is the study of how

A)specific phenotypes influence genotypes.
B)different behaviours lead to changes in the genetic code.
C)genes and environment influence behaviour.
D)monozygotic twins are created.

Question 7

Genes are organized along ________________,structures in the cellular nucleus that are lined with all of the genes an individual inherits.

A)genotypes
B)proteins
C)amino acids
D)chromosomes

Question 8

What is the maximum value for heritability?

A)0.1
B)1.0
C)10
D)100

Question 9

Which of the following best reflects the modern scientific approach to the nature-nurture question?

A)Why does environment have so little influence over behaviour compared to genes?
B)How do genes and environment interact to produce behaviour?
C)Why do genes have so little influence over behaviour compared to environment?
D)Is nature or nurture more important for determining behaviour?

Question 10

Our genetic code usually determines whether we have typically male or female bodies.Occasionally however,individuals are born who are genetically male,but who physically appear female.These children are ______________ male,but __________________ female.

A)heterozygous;homozygous
B)homozygous;heterozygous
C)phenotypically;genotypically
D)genotypically;phenotypically

Question 11

Having a dimple on your chin is determined by a single gene pair.If you inherited one dimple gene and one non-dimple gene from your parents,you could be described as ____________ for this trait.

A)heterozygous
B)homozygous
C)phenotypical
D)genotypical

Question 12

Kendra (female)and Robert (male)are the biological parents of a male child.Which of the following correctly describes how their son inherited his genes?

A)All of them were contributed by Robert.
B)All of them were contributed by Kendra.
C)Half came from Kendra and the other half came from Robert.
D)Two-thirds came from Robert and one-third came from Kendra.

Question 13

Suppose for a particular personality trait,dizygotic twins both share the trait 13% of the time while monozygotic twins share the trait 14% of the time.The heritability for this trait would be close to

A)0
B).13
C).14
D)1

Question 14

Which of these sibling pairs will share the greatest number of genes?

A)two brothers who were born of the same two parents 18 months apart
B)a brother and sister who are fraternal twins
C)two brothers who develop from the same fertilized egg
D)two sisters who are fraternal twins

Question 15

Suppose a researcher is studying twins where at least one twin suffers from depression.The researcher finds that both twins are much more likely to share the disorder if they are monozygotic and not dizygotic twins.What should the research conclude?

A)depression is entirely genetic
B)the heritability of depression is high
C)the heritability of depression is low
D)monozygotic twins are at a higher risk for depression than non-twins

Question 16

Which of these research methods would a behavioural geneticist be likely to employ to study the influence of genetics on personality?

A)examining heritability in twins and adopted individuals
B)interviewing people who have known others who were particularly odd or unique
C)administering paper and pencil or computerized questionnaires to hundreds of people
D)documenting the patterns of development and difficulties of psychiatric patients

Question 17

If two corresponding genes at a given location on a pair of chromosomes are the same,they are referred to as

A)genotyped.
B)homozygous.
C)phenotyped.
D)heterozygous.

Question 18

For a simple trait with one dominant and one recessive gene,a person will display the recessive trait

A)if they are heterozygous or homozygous for the recessive trait.
B)only if they are homozygous for the recessive trait.
C)only if they are heterozygous.
D)as long as they inherit one copy of the recessive trait.

Question 19

Research suggests which of the following is true regarding the nature-nurture debate?

A)Psychological traits are mostly determined by genes.
B)Psychological traits are mostly determined by environmental factors.
C)Genes and environment both independently influence traits,but do not interact.
D)Some psychological traits are more influenced by genes,while others are more the result of environment.

Question 20

The most basic units of heredity that regulate development and physiological processes are called

A)proteins.
B)genes.
C)phenotypes.
D)amino acids.

Question 21

A heritability of .37 indicates what about a trait?

A)0.37% of individual differences in the trait can be attributed to environmental factors.
B)0.37% of individual differences in the trait can be attributed to genetic factors within the population.
C)37% of individual differences in the trait can be attributed to environmental factors within the population.
D)37% of individual differences in the trait can be attributed to genetic factors within the population.

Question 22

The branchlike structures that receive messages from other neurons are called

A)axons.
B)nerve bundles.
C)dendrites.
D)synapses.

Question 23

Gi works in a laboratory that identifies which genes are present among individuals with particular traits that are not present in others.The goal of the lab is to understand how specific genes are related to behaviour.Gi works in which field?

A)eugenics
B)DNA phenotyping
C)behavioural genomics
D)psychobehavioural genetics

Question 24

Which best describes the current understanding of gender differences in cognitive abilities?

A)There are no gender differences in cognitive abilities.
B)There is currently a debate about whether these differences are genetic or the result of cultural and environmental factors.
C)There is no evidence that these differences are biological.
D)There is no evidence that cultural and environmental factors can affect these differences.

Question 25

Which part of the neuron acts like an antenna to receive messages from other neurons?

A)cell body
B)dendrite
C)axon
D)glia

Question 26

If neuronal communication were compared to radio,the _______________ would be the transmitter at the radio station and the _______________ would be the antenna on your car.

A)cell bodies;axons
B)dendrites;myelin sheaths
C)myelin sheaths;cell bodies
D)axons;dendrites

Question 27

A researcher is studying factors that influence political philosophy (conservative or liberal).She finds that adopted children are more likely to share their political philosophy with their adoptive parents than their biological parents.Which of the following should she conclude?

A)Genes have no influence on political philosophy.
B)Adoptive parents are more likely to be liberal.
C)Political philosophy has high heritability.
D)Political philosophy has low heritability.

Question 28

Aaron is working at his job as an editor of a science magazine when a reporter places an article on his desk entitled "Gene for Optimism Found." To avoid confusing the readers about what the scientists most likely found,what could Aaron change the title to?

A)"Pessimists are Missing a Crucial Gene"
B)"Scientists Find Gene's Purpose is to Increase Optimism"
C)"Scientists Find the Single Gene for Optimism"
D)"Gene Found to be a Factor in Optimism"

Question 29

Researchers have found that the male advantage in mental rotation tasks is related to

A)cultural factors.
B)estrogens.
C)testosterone levels.
D)educational factors.

Question 30

The ___________ is the central region of the neuron that contains genes that synthesize proteins that comprise the chemicals and structures that allow the neuron to function.

A)neuronal membrane
B)dendrite
C)axon
D)cell body

Question 31

______ are responsible for sending and receiving messages throughout the body.

A)Glial cells
B)Neurons
C)Nodes of Ranvier
D)Reuptake inhibitors

Question 32

Which part of the neuron is responsible for manufacturing proteins?

A)axon
B)cell body
C)dendrite
D)membrane

Question 33

Which of the following is true?

A)Most traits are controlled by a single gene.
B)Each gene can only affect one trait.
C)A single gene can often be a risk factor for several disorders.
D)No trait is determined by a single gene.

Question 34

Which of the following is the most clearly adaptive for humans?

A)hiccups
B)the fight-or-flight response
C)schizophrenia
D)red hair

Question 35

If a trait has high heritability,then adopted children are more likely to share the trait with

A)their biological parents.
B)their adoptive parents.
C)schoolmates.
D)other adopted children.

Question 36

"Natural selection" is a process by which

A)favourable traits become increasingly common in a population of interbreeding individuals,while traits that are unfavourable become less common.
B)animal breeders select animals in each generation that have the most "natural" traits to breed the next generation.
C)favourable traits become increasingly common in a population over the course of a single generation.
D)genetic mutations lead to random changes within a population of organisms.

Question 37

Neurons are

A)cells in the brain that are believed to help clean and feed brain cells.
B)cells that send and receive information.
C)bundles of nerves.
D)chemical transmitters found in the hypothalamus.

Question 38

Which of the following is a limitation associated with behavioural genomics?

A)Most traits are not controlled by single genes.
B)Technology is not yet sufficiently advanced to identify single genes.
C)The Human Genome Project has not yet been completed.
D)Laws prevent researchers from sequencing the genes of individuals.

Question 39

Which part of a neuron transports information from the neuron to other neurons through an electrochemical reaction?

A)soma
B)axon
C)dendrite
D)cell membrane

Question 40

Which of the following correctly describes an adaptation?

A)any heritable trait,both physical and behavioural,that can pass from one generation to the next
B)a change in the frequency of genes within a population
C)a heritable trait that contributes to the survival,health,or sexual behaviour of an organism
D)any gene pasted from one generation to another

Question 41

The __________ speeds up the passage of electrical messages by acting as an insulator of the neuronal signal.

A)blood-brain barrier
B)terminal button
C)myelin
D)synaptic vesicles

Question 42

The voltage of a neuron's ______________ is typically around -70 millivolts.

A)postsynaptic potential
B)resting potential
C)action potential
D)graded potential

Question 43

The tiny space between the axon terminal of one cell and the dendrites of the next cell is called the

A)receptor site.
B)synapse.
C)dendrite knob.
D)axon terminal.

Question 44

________ is the creation of new neurons.

A)Neurogenesis
B)Neural plasticity
C)Long-term potentiation
D)Synaptogenesis

Question 45

Which structure is like a locked door that only certain neurotransmitter keys can unlock?

A)synapses
B)receptors
C)neural chiasms
D)response terminals

Question 46

What is the function of the myelin sheath?

A)to serve as a structure for neurons
B)to monitor neural activity
C)to speed up the neural impulse
D)to produce neurotransmitters

Question 47

Which of the following neurotransmitters affects neurons involved in voluntary movement,processing rewards,and mood?

A)serotonin
B)dopamine
C)acetylcholine
D)GABA

Question 48

What do we call the state of a neuron when it is not transmitting or receiving messages?

A)action potential
B)resting potential
C)neutral period
D)refractory period

Question 49

What type of cell in the nervous system is responsible for mounting immune responses in the brain,removing wastes,and is found in myelin?

A)endorphins
B)epithelial cell
C)glial cell
D)neuron

Question 50

During an action potential,the electrical charge inside the neuron is _________ compared to the electrical charge outside the neuron.

A)positive
B)balanced
C)negative
D)neutral

Question 51

What interesting discovery about the nervous system was made in the last 15 years or so?

A)Humans only use 10% of their neurons.
B)We are born with all of the neurons we will ever have.
C)New neurons are formed in some brain regions.
D)We are born with all of the glial cells we will ever have.

Question 52

Kalika is told by her physician that her symptoms are caused by a loss of myelin.Her diagnosis would most likely be

A)Parkinson's disease.
B)multiple sclerosis.
C)early stage Alzheimer's disease.
D)epilepsy.

Question 53

After neurotransmitter molecules are released,they may be broken down by enzymes,or they may be re-absorbed back into the axon,a process known as

A)inhibition.
B)neurogenesis.
C)refraction.
D)reuptake.

Question 54

Which type of cell is responsible for supporting the function of neurons?

A)GABA
B)glial
C)epithelial
D)dedrocytes

Question 55

____________neurotransmitters make it more likely that a neuron will generate action potentials,whereas _____________ neurotransmitters make it less likely that a neuron will do so.

A)Excitatory;inhibitory
B)Inhibitory;excitatory
C)Augmentation;depletion
D)Depletion;augmentation

Question 56

When a neuron is sufficiently stimulated it

A)becomes very negatively charged relative to outside of the cell.
B)initiates an action potential.
C)expands in size.
D)closes all of its membrane pores.

Question 57

Kerry works as a messenger for a business.His job is to carry messages between different buildings.Kerry's role for the company is similar to the function of ______________ for a neuron.

A)neurotransmitters
B)receptor sites
C)dendrites
D)somas

Question 58

The structures at the far end of the axon (i.e. ,furthest from the cell body)are called

A)axon terminals.
B)dendrites.
C)glial junctions.
D)spines.

Question 59

Mary put her hand on a hot stove.Which type of neuron is responsible for sending a pain message towards her spinal cord?

A)motor neuron
B)interneuron
C)sensory neuron
D)efferent neuron

Question 60

"All or none" is the principle stating that

A)a neuron always fires at the same strength.
B)a neuron fires at full strength or half strength.There are no other "partial" firing options.
C)all the dendrites must be receiving messages telling the neuron to fire or it will not fire at all.
D)all somas must be receiving messages telling the neuron to fire or it will not fire at all.

Question 61

Elizabeth was driving on the freeway when a car passed abruptly in front of her and almost hit her vehicle.As a result of the stress produced by this incident,her heart rate increased and she felt "on edge." Which of the following neurotransmitters is likely responsible for Elizabeth's response?

A)serotonin
B)dopamine
C)GABA
D)norepinephrine

Question 62

Which endocrine gland controls all of the other glands in the body?

A)thyroid gland
B)adrenal gland
C)pancreas
D)pituitary gland

Question 63

The brain and spinal cord make up the

A)central nervous system.
B)autonomic nervous system.
C)peripheral nervous system.
D)somatic nervous system.

Question 64

Drugs that block neurotransmitter activity are called

A)agonists.
B)antagonists.
C)excitatory.
D)reuptake inhibitors.

Question 65

The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system that plays a role in memory and learning is

A)glutamate.
B)GABA.
C)acetylcholine.
D)serotonin.

Question 66

Because they have similar chemical structures,morphine and other opiates are able to lock into receptor sites for

A)GABA.
B)serotonin.
C)dopamine.
D)endorphins.

Question 67

Andy has decided to seek medical help for mood disturbances and appetite problems.Which neurotransmitter is most likely involved in the problems Andy is experiencing?

A)GABA
B)dopamine
C)serotonin
D)acetylcholine

Question 68

Hormones are chemicals that are secreted and go directly into

A)the bloodstream.
B)specific organs.
C)nerve endings.
D)the brain.

Question 69

Mobombi had completed about a quarter of the distance in the marathon in which he was a participant.Suddenly,he stumbled and fell.Despite feeling a sharp pain initially,he got up and continued to run until he completed the race.Upon crossing the finish line he fell down writhing in pain.When checked out,it was discovered that Mobombi had broken his leg.He was able to run the remainder of the marathon relatively pain free due to the release of

A)enzymes.
B)amino acids.
C)monoamines.
D)endorphins.

Question 70

The ________ regulates and maintains constant internal bodily states by stimulating the pituitary gland.

A)thalamus
B)hypothalamus
C)amygdala
D)hippocampus

Question 71

Which part of the brain controls the pituitary gland?

A)hypothalamus
B)hippocampus
C)amygdala
D)diencephalon

Question 72

African naked mole rats show no behavioural response when exposed to capsaicin,the active ingredient in chili peppers.This is most likely due to the fact that they lack the neurotransmitter

A)glutamate.
B)GABA.
C)substance P.
D)serotonin.

Question 73

Luisa is diagnosed with a medical disorder caused by too much dopamine activity in certain brain regions.Her doctor is likely to prescribe a dopamine ________________ to treat her.

A)reuptake inhibitor.
B)stimulator.
C)agonist.
D)antagonist.

Question 74

The pituitary gland is known as the _______ gland because it controls the other glands in the body.

A)master
B)alpha
C)dominant
D)ventral

Question 75

The two main divisions of the nervous system are the __________ and the __________.

A)brain;spinal cord
B)autonomic;somatic nervous systems
C)peripheral nervous system;central nervous system
D)glands;muscles

Question 76

The peripheral nervous system consists of the __________ and the __________ nervous systems.

A)autonomic;somatic
B)autonomic;sympathetic
C)parasympathetic;somatic
D)parasympathetic;sympathetic

Question 77

Which neurotransmitter is associated with sleep,mood,and appetite?

A)GABA
B)serotonin
C)dopamine
D)acetylcholine

Question 78

__________ plays a critical role as a neurotransmitter that stimulates voluntary muscle movement directly at the junction between nerves and muscles.

A)acetylcholine
B)GABA
C)dopamine
D)endorphin

Question 79

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system is

A)glutamate.
B)GABA.
C)acetylcholine.
D)serotonin.

Question 80

Which of the following is a likely effect of damage to the hypothalamus?

A)reduced use of left arm
B)deregulation of hormones
C)development of aphasia
D)reduced ability to reason