Question 1

Diamond's "sexuality-at-birth" position argues that ______.

Accepted Answer

Diamond's position emphasizes the significance of prenatal hormone exposure on gender identity, which is often reflected in the appearance of the genitals at birth. This perspective suggests that biological factors play a crucial role in shaping gender identity.

Question 2

In the most famous case of ablatio penis, in which a young boy with XY chromosomes had his penis destroyed during a circumcision, ______.

Accepted Answer

The case refers to David Reimer, born as Bruce, who lost his penis due to a botched circumcision. Psychologist John Money advised his parents to raise him as a girl, Brenda, asserting that gender identity is primarily learned and that Brenda would adapt to a female gender identity. This case was initially reported as a success for the theory that gender identity is malleable, but it later became clear that Reimer never identified as female and eventually transitioned back to living as a male.

Question 3

Which of the following is true about the ablatio penis cases, including Bruce/Brenda/David?

Accepted Answer

The case of Bruce/Brenda/David, also known as David Reimer, involved a boy who was raised as a girl after a botched circumcision. Reports indicate that despite being raised as Brenda, David displayed behaviors typically associated with boys, such as being described as a tomboy and preferring to play with boys' toys, which aligns with choice B.

Question 4

Which of the following is true with respect to sexual orientation?

Accepted Answer

Sexual orientation is a complex and multifaceted aspect of human sexuality. A significant number of individuals may have at least one homosexual experience, particularly during adolescence, as they explore their sexual identity. This does not necessarily define their overall sexual orientation but indicates the fluidity and diversity of human sexual experiences. The other statements are not supported by current research and understanding of sexual orientation. Bisexuality does not have a clear prevalence among males or females as it varies widely among different populations. The claim that homosexual individuals tend to have many more sexual partners than heterosexuals is a stereotype and does not accurately represent the diversity within sexual orientations. Lastly, understanding heterosexuality is still a relevant area of research in sexuality studies, as it is not simply considered the "base" sexual orientation but one of many orientations that people identify with.

Question 5

How are gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation related?

Accepted Answer

Sexual orientation (who you are attracted to) does not necessarily correlate with or predict a person's gender identity (how someone perceives themselves in terms of gender) or their biological/chromosomal sex. These aspects of identity are distinct from one another.

Question 6

Only approximately ______ of homosexual men are feminine in their behaviors.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Only approximately ______ of homosexual men are...

Question 7

Which sexual orientation seems to be most heavily influenced by experience?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that bisexuality can be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and experiential factors more so than strictly genetic or inherent factors alone, which are often emphasized in discussions of homosexuality, heterosexuality, and asexuality. This makes bisexuality appear to be more fluid and potentially influenced by personal experiences.

Question 8

Male but not female sexual orientation has been associated with ______.

Accepted Answer

The 7q36 region of DNA has been associated with male but not female sexual orientation, suggesting a genetic component to sexual orientation in males.

Question 9

One mechanism for why homosexuality persists, despite same-sex individuals not being able to reproduce, is the recent finding that genes linked to homosexuality also increase ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One mechanism for why homosexuality persists, despite...

Question 10

Several studies have shown that individuals who later identify as homosexual begin showing gender nonconformity in behavior at age three or four. What does this suggest about the influences on sexual orientation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Several studies have shown that individuals who...

Question 11

A research team recently found that testosterone ______ found in a parent can potentially be passed on to his/her children, significantly affecting that child's sexual and gender development.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A research team recently found that testosterone...

Question 12

Evidence for epigenetic influences on sexual orientation comes from a recent study showing that ______ in five DNA regions is 70% accurate in predicting which of a twin pair identifies as homosexual.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is methylation. Methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that involves the addition of a methyl group to DNA, thereby affecting gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself. This process has been linked to various biological and physiological processes, including the development of sexual orientation. The study mentioned refers to findings that differences in DNA methylation patterns in specific regions can predict sexual orientation with a significant degree of accuracy.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is true with respect to studies of sexual behavior in animals?

Accepted Answer

Homosexual behavior has been observed in numerous animal species, including sheep and gulls, indicating that such behaviors are a natural part of animal behavior across different species.

Question 14

One brain area that can differ in size between homosexual and heterosexual men is the ______.

Accepted Answer

The third interstitial nucleus of the anterior hypothalamus has been found to differ in size between homosexual and heterosexual men in some studies, suggesting a potential biological underpinning for sexual orientation.

Question 15

One characteristics that may distinguish homosexual from heterosexual women is the ______.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that the index-to-ring finger ratio (2D:4D ratio) can be different in homosexual versus heterosexual women, with some studies suggesting that homosexual women may have a lower (more masculine) 2D:4D ratio. This characteristic is thought to be influenced by prenatal hormone exposure.

Question 16

Cory is a homosexual man. What cognitive task might Cory perform better than his heterosexual male friends?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cory is a homosexual man. What cognitive...

Question 17

What is one challenge in determining the causes of human sexual preference?

Accepted Answer

Replication is a key aspect of scientific research, and the lack of replicated studies can make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the causes of human sexual preference.

Question 18

Which sexual orientation pattern do we have the least scientific information about?

Accepted Answer

Research on sexual orientation has historically focused more on male homosexuality, leading to a relative lack of scientific information about female homosexuality compared to the other categories.

Question 19

What is one ramification of presenting homosexuality as a choice?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is one ramification of presenting homosexuality...

Question 20

What is one ramification of presenting homosexuality as biologically determined?

Accepted Answer

Presenting homosexuality as biologically determined might lead some parents to attempt genetic engineering to ensure their children are heterosexual, as they may view it as a trait that can be altered.

Quiz 7: The Biology of Sex and Gender