Deck 2: Biological Beginnings

Question 1

_____ is defined as the process by which the cell's nucleus,including the chromosomes,duplicates itself and the cell divides.

A)Accommodation
B)Mitosis
C)Assimilation
D)Fertilization

Answer 1

B
Explanation: During mitosis,the cell's nucleus-including the chromosomes-duplicates itself and the cell divides.

Question 2

_____ is defined as a specialized form of cell division that occurs to form gametes.

A)Fertilization
B)Meiosis
C)Gene imprinting
D)Mitosis

Answer 2

B
Explanation: Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that occurs to form gametes.

Question 3

The findings of the Human Genome Project revealed that:

A)genes possess no fixed locations in humans.
B)humans have far fewer genes than estimated earlier.
C)each gene programmed just one protein.
D)humans appear to have far more genes than they have proteins.

Answer 3

B
Explanation: One of the big surprises of the Human Genome Project was a report indicating that humans have only about 30,000 genes when earlier estimates by scientists placed the count at 100,000.

Question 4

Which of the following is an idea generated and supported by evolutionary psychology?

A)Gender roles are socially constructed as opposed to being a function of evolution.
B)The mind is like a general-purpose device that can be applied equally to a vast array of problems because evolved psychological mechanisms are not domain-specific.
C)All evolved mechanisms are adaptive in contemporary society.
D)An extended childhood period evolved in humans because they require time to develop a large brain and learn the complexity of human societies.

Question 5

The theory of evolution by natural selection was first introduced by:

A)Charles Darwin.
B)Stephen Jay Gould.
C)Albert Bandura.
D)Sandra Scarr.

Question 6

Which of the following statements is true with regard to genes and proteins?

A)Genes act independently to translate the genetic code they carry into an individual's phenotype or physical features that are observable.
B)Each gene is translated,in an automatic fashion,into one and only one protein.
C)The translation of genes into proteins represents a collaborative process between genes and other factors within and outside the body.
D)The Human Genome Project established the fact that humans had as many as 100,000 or more genes.

Question 7

Evolutionary psychology is a relatively new approach to psychology that has been especially influenced by:

A)David Buss.
B)Sigmund Freud.
C)Albert Bandura.
D)Martin Seligman.

Question 8

Which of the following is true with regard to sources of variability?

A)The chromosomes in the zygote are not exact copies of those in the mother's ovaries and the father's testes.
B)Fraternal twins develop from a single zygote that splits into two genetically identical replicas.
C)For each genotype,only a corresponding phenotype can be expressed.
D)Identical twins develop from separate eggs and separate sperm.

Question 9

Identify the smallest entity amongst the following.

A)A cell
B)A gene
C)A gamete
D)A chromosome

Question 10

Which of the following is true with regard the evolutionary psychology perspective?

A)The evolutionary psychology perspective is one of the oldest applied branches of psychology.
B)The evolutionary psychology perspective represents a bidirectional view,in which environmental and biological conditions influence each other.
C)The evolutionary psychology perspective has been proven through successful empirical study and research.
D)The evolutionary psychology perspective is best evaluated through the study of specific genes and their links to traits and behaviors.

Question 11

A single cell,known as a(n)_____,is formed during the process of fertilization.

A)ovum
B)embryo
C)gamete
D)zygote

Question 12

_____ are defined as units of hereditary information.

A)Nerves
B)Cells
C)Genes
D)Engrams

Question 13

Which of the following is true with regard to the genes?

A)Each gene contains multiple chromosomes that are located on it.
B)Genes are located variably in humans;they cannot be found at a fixed place on a chromosome.
C)Genes are contained in complex molecules with a double helix shape called DNA.
D)Genes work individually to assemble proteins.

Question 14

The difference between mitosis and meiosis is that:

A)meiosis takes place within body cells,while mitosis takes place within gametes.
B)mitosis results in the formation of two cells,while meiosis produces four cells.
C)in mitosis the cells divide twice,while in meiosis only one division occurs.
D)mitosis results in 23 unpaired chromosomes,while meiosis results in 23 paired chromosomes.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is true of Darwin's views on evolution?

A)Most organisms reproduce at rates that cause an insignificant increase in their population.
B)The constant struggle for food,water,and resources among members of a species encourages supportive behaviors among them.
C)Behavior that promotes an organism's survival in the natural habitat differentiates between survivors and nonsurvivors.
D)Adaptive behaviors are purely psychological.

Question 16

Threadlike structures that contain DNA are defined as:

A)nerves.
B)cells.
C)dendrites.
D)chromosomes.

Question 17

Evolutionary psychology is a relatively new approach to psychology that emphasizes the:

A)biological changes that occur in an individual throughout the lifespan.
B)role of adaptation,reproduction,and survival of the fittest in shaping behavior.
C)unilateral manner in which genes determine our behavior and abilities.
D)geographical setting of the person in explaining his/her behavior and abilities.

Question 18

The evolutionary process that favors individuals of a species that are best adapted to survive and reproduce is known as:

A)gene-gene interaction.
B)gene mutation.
C)natural selection.
D)genetic imprinting.

Question 19

Which of the following is true with regard to the views of David Buss on evolution?

A)The influence of evolution is restricted to the development of our unique physical features.
B)The influence of evolution is negligible as the environment in which one grows is the sole determinant of his/her personality.
C)The influence of evolution on our reproductive success is not sufficient to explain survival.
D)The influence of evolution on our decision making abilities,levels of aggression,fears,and our mating patterns are significant.

Question 20

In the context of natural selection,"fit" refers to behaviors that increase:

A)genetic imprinting.
B)psychological fitness.
C)gene-environment interaction.
D)reproductive success.

Question 21

Which of the following is caused by faulty genetic imprinting?

A)Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
B)Klinefelter syndrome
C)Turner syndrome
D)Down syndrome

Question 22

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Klinefelter's syndrome?

A)a protruding tongue
B)a webbed neck
C)undeveloped testes
D)an extra fold of skin over the eyelids

Question 23

Which of the following pairs of genetic disorders is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome?

A)Down syndrome and Turner syndrome
B)Turner syndrome and sickle-cell anemia
C)Klinefelter syndrome and Down syndrome
D)Phenylketonuria and XYY syndrome

Question 24

Which of the following is true with regard to fragile X syndrome?

A)The physical appearance of children with fragile X syndrome is markedly altered.
B)Mental abilities are relatively normal in individuals with fragile X syndrome.
C)This disorder occurs more frequently in males than in females.
D)This disorder is caused by the missing X chromosome in humans.

Question 25

A _____ is a permanently altered segment of DNA that can give rise to genetic variability.

A)recessive gene
B)dependent gene
C)mutated gene
D)dominant gene

Question 26

Pam is a carrier for hemophilia while her husband,Martin is not a hemophiliac.Which of the following would be true under these conditions?

A)All of their daughters would be hemophiliacs.
B)There is a 50 percent chance that a daughter would be a hemophiliac.
C)All of their sons would be hemophiliacs.
D)There is a 50 percent chance that a son would be a hemophiliac.

Question 27

Caroline is beautiful baby.She has lovely blond hair and soft blue eyes.Caroline's hair and eyes are examples of her _____.

A)genetic coding
B)genotype
C)gene-environment interaction
D)phenotype

Question 28

Jerry was born with a round face,flattened skull,short limbs,and retardation of motor and mental abilities.The doctors told Jerry's parents that this is because he has an extra copy of chromosome 21.Which of the following chromosomal abnormalities does Jerry have?

A)Phenylketonuria
B)Turner syndrome
C)Sickle-cell anemia
D)Down syndrome

Question 29

Michael carries two genes for brown hair.Lisa carries two genes for blond hair.Given this,we know that their child will have a _____ percent chance of having brown hair.

A)25
B)50
C)75
D)100

Question 30

Which of the following is true with regard to Down syndrome?

A)Down syndrome afflicts only males.
B)No remedial measures can be used to improve the quality of life and adaptive capacity of children with Down syndrome.
C)The risk of having a child with Down syndrome is a function of too low or high a maternal age.
D)Down syndrome is a sex-linked chromosomal abnormality.

Question 31

Which of the following can be deciphered by observing an individual?

A)His genetic material
B)His phenotype
C)His genetic code
D)His genetic expression

Question 32

Which of the following genetic disorders can be classified as a sex-linked chromosomal abnormality?

A)Phenylketonuria
B)Sickle-cell anemia
C)Klinefelter syndrome
D)Down syndrome

Question 33

In order for your children to have freckles,both you and your partner must carry the gene for freckles,since having freckles is a:

A)polygenic trait.
B)phenotypic trait.
C)recessive trait.
D)dominant trait.

Question 34

Which of the following is true with regard to one's genotype?

A)It is apparent in one's physical make-up.
B)It refers to one's actual genetic material.
C)It can be observed through one's intelligence and personality.
D)Each genotype translates into only one phenotypic expression.

Question 35

Both Peggy and Bob are farsighted.If their child is nearsighted,then it follows that:

A)both Peggy and Bob lack a gene for farsightedness.
B)only Peggy has a gene for farsightedness.
C)only Bob lacks a gene for nearsightedness.
D)both Peggy and Bob have a gene for nearsightedness.

Question 36

Which of the following genetic disorders is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21?

A)Down syndrome
B)Turner syndrome
C)Sickle-cell anemia
D)Phenylketonuria

Question 37

An example of X-linked inherited disease is:

A)XYY syndrome
B)Down syndrome.
C)hemophilia.
D)phenylketonuria.

Question 38

Height is a simple characteristic that is determined by:

A)a single gene.
B)the interaction of many genes and environmental factors.
C)the manifestation of an altered X-linked gene.
D)the action of a specific pair of genes.

Question 39

Which of the following genetic disorders affects only males?

A)Phenylketonuria
B)Sickle-cell anemia
C)Klinefelter syndrome
D)Down syndrome

Question 40

Which of the following is true with regard to the dominant-recessive genes principle?

A)A single recessive gene has the potential to silence the other gene of the pair.
B)A recessive gene exerts its influence only if the two genes of a pair are both recessive.
C)Blond hair,nearsightedness,and freckles are dominant traits.
D)Brown hair,farsightedness,and dimples are examples of recessive traits.

Question 41

In the United States,_____ is by far the most commonly used assisted reproduction technique.

A)surrogate mothering
B)gamete intrafallopian transfer
C)artificial insemination
D)in vitro fertilization

Question 42

Which of the following prenatal diagnostic tests uses a sample of the placenta to detect genetic and chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus?

A)Amniocentesis
B)Chorionic villus sampling
C)Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis
D)Ultrasound sonography

Question 43

The XYY syndrome is characterized by:

A)the male having an extra Y chromosome.
B)the female having an extra Y chromosome.
C)the males having an extra X chromosome.
D)the female having a missing X chromosome.

Question 44

The first fetal screening procedure that Holly Brook underwent revealed potential abnormalities in her baby.Subsequently,she underwent another procedure in which a powerful magnetic field and radio images were used to generate detailed images of the baby's organs and structure.This prenatal diagnostic test,which showed more clearly that her baby has certain abnormalities in the central nervous system,is called _____.

A)amniocentesis
B)fetal MRI
C)noninvasive prenatal diagnosis
D)ultrasound sonography

Question 45

In the 17ᵗʰ week of her pregnancy,Penny Wills was asked to take the triple screen test as she had a family history of birth defects.Her doctor assured her that the test would take very little time and posed no risks to her baby.Which of the following prenatal diagnostic tests has the doctor asked her to undergo?

A)Maternal blood screening
B)Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis
C)Chorionic villus sampling
D)Ultrasound sonography

Question 46

_____ is a gene-linked abnormality that is caused by a glandular dysfunction that interferes with mucus production.

A)Sickle-cell anemia
B)Tay-Sachs disease
C)Diabetes
D)Cystic fibrosis

Question 47

Nancy has recently undergone a surgery to correct her webbed neck.This is one of the many difficulties she faces as a result of being born with a missing X chromosome.She is also very short and overweight.Doctors have informed her parents that hormone therapy is an option to treat her condition though reproductive sterility is a big possibility.Nancy's school performance is fairly average;she encounters problems with mathematics but has good verbal skills.Which of the following chromosomal disorders does Nancy have?

A)Fragile X syndrome
B)Klinefelter syndrome
C)Turner syndrome
D)Down syndrome

Question 48

Which of the following prenatal diagnostic tests is characterized by the isolation and examination of fetal cells circulating in the mother's blood?

A)Fetal MRI
B)Ultrasound sonography
C)Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis
D)Amniocentesis

Question 49

Which of the following genetic disorders is characterized by the inability of individuals to properly metabolize a particular amino acid?

A)Phenylketonuria
B)Sickle-cell anemia
C)Turner syndrome
D)Fragile X syndrome

Question 50

Which of the following genetic disorders is characterized by the X chromosome being missing or incomplete in females?

A)Fragile X syndrome
B)Turner syndrome
C)Klinefelter syndrome
D)Down syndrome

Question 51

Which of the following genetic disorders affects only females?

A)Turner syndrome
B)Sickle-cell anemia
C)Klinefelter syndrome
D)Down syndrome

Question 52

One of the consequences of fertility treatments is a(n):

A)increase in birth weight of babies.
B)decrease in genetic disorders.
C)increase in postterm pregnancies.
D)increase in multiple births.

Question 53

Which of the following prenatal diagnostic tests is used during amniocentesis to locate the precise point for drawing a sample?

A)Maternal blood screening
B)Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis
C)Chorionic villus sampling
D)Ultrasound sonography

Question 54

Which of the following is a neural tube disorder that can be treated with corrective surgery at birth?

A)Huntington's disease
B)Tay-Sachs disease
C)Spina bifida
D)Diabetes

Question 55

_____ occurs most commonly in African Americans.

A)Down syndrome
B)Turner syndrome
C)Sickle-cell anemia
D)Phenylketonuria

Question 56

At age six,Joe underwent a minor dental procedure that was followed by prolonged bleeding.When the bleeding could not be controlled by any common means,Joe was hospitalized,and later,diagnosed with a condition that can make simple injuries,bruises,or cuts extremely threatening because of prolonged bleeding.His parents were informed that in case the problem continued or worsened,Joe would require frequent blood transfusions and medical care.Joe is suffering from _____.

A)phenylketonuria
B)hemophilia
C)spina bifida
D)diabetes

Question 57

Norah and Bob are elated as they have just brought their twins home.After trying to have a baby of their own for eight years,they opted for fertility treatment a year ago.Their gametes were harvested and fertilized artificially;the successfully fertilized eggs were placed back in Norah's uterus.The pregnancy was fairly uneventful after that though Norah had to go for frequent medical checks and take many precautionary measures.Norah and Bob used the _____ technique of assisted reproduction.

A)artificial insemination
B)in vivo fertilization
C)in vitro fertilization
D)gamete intrafallopian transfer

Question 58

Which of the following is a consequence of sickle-cell anemia?

A)Inability to metabolize an amino acid called phenylalanine
B)Limited oxygen supply to body's cells
C)Delayed blood clotting causes internal and external bleeding
D)Limited production of insulin

Question 59

When Wendy was a baby,she was diagnosed with a gene-linked abnormality that left her unable to metabolize an important amino acid.Since her condition was diagnosed early,the doctors recommended that her parents put her on a diet that prevents an excess accumulation of the concerned amino acid in her body.This diet has helped her deal with the disorder successfully without experiencing any of the major disturbances of development this disorder is associated with.Wendy is likely to be suffering from _____.

A)phenylketonuria
B)hemophilia
C)turner syndrome
D)fragile X syndrome

Question 60

Ultrasound sonography uses _____ to conduct prenatal diagnosis.

A)a strong magnetic field
B)strong ultraviolet waves
C)high frequency infrared waves
D)high frequency sound waves

Question 61

Which of the following statements concerning adoption studies is correct?

A)Adoption studies involve studying the behavioral similarity of identical twins raised together.
B)Adoption studies compare children's traits with their adoptive and biological parents' traits.
C)Adoption studies cannot be conducted on single children or siblings who are neither identical nor fraternal twins.
D)Adoption studies clearly show that environment is more important than heredity.

Question 62

Dora has recently started working on a research study that hypothesizes that people who have a defect in a specific gene may have a predisposition to depression.As a second hypothesis in the study,the research is studying the impact of a significant lack of social support in triggering the onset of depression in such people.If Dora's research successfully validates both hypotheses,which of the following conclusion may be drawn?

A)A defect in the gene Dora is studying is directly linked to depression.
B)A lack of social support always leads to clinically significant levels of depression.
C)The defective gene and lack of social support produce a heightened risk of depression.
D)The defective is recessive and depression is a result of polygenic inheritance.

Question 63

Though Katie and Wendy were identical twins,Katie always felt that her sister was given the best opportunities when they were growing up.Katie went to a public school,while Wendy was allowed to attend a prestigious private school.Katie was not given the freedom that Wendy enjoyed and took for granted.Which of the following is a nonshared experience for Katie and Wendy?

A)Birth order
B)Gender
C)Genetic material
D)Parental treatment

Question 64

Robert's parents are fairly social and enjoy an evening out with their friends.His older sister,Martha,reflects their social interests;she is often seen conducting church events,planning parties with her friends,and stopping to speak to friends and acquaintances warmly.Unlike them,Robert spends all his free time reading books and surfing the Internet to learn about a host of things that interest him.His need for learning most likely reflects a(n)_____ here.

A)active genotype-environment interaction
B)suppressive genotype-environment interaction
C)passive genotype-environment interaction
D)evocative genotype-environment interaction

Question 65

Parents' intellectual orientation is an example of a _____ of siblings.

A)differential familial experiences
B)shared environmental experiences
C)nonshared extrafamilial experiences
D)nonshared environmental experiences

Question 66

Eric and Scott are identical twins,while Ann,their younger sister,is two years younger.When Eric and Scott were twelve years old,their father,who ran a restaurant,was shot dead by a drunk customer.This incident changed their family life completely.Which of the following is true with regard to Eric,Scott,and Ann?

A)Their father's death is a nonshared experience for Eric,Scott,and Ann.
B)Their father's death was a shared experience only for Eric and Scott.
C)Their father's death was a shared experience for all three of them.
D)Their father's death was a nonshared extrafamilial experience Eric,Scott,and Ann.

Question 67

According to Sandra Scarr,which of the following plays a more important role during the periods of infancy and early childhood?

A)Suppressive genotype-environment interaction
B)Active genotype-environment interaction
C)Passive genotype-environment interaction
D)Evocative genotype-environment interaction

Question 68

Niche-picking genotype-environment correlations occur when:

A)biological parents provide a rearing environment for the child.
B)children seek out environments that they find compatible and stimulating.
C)children behave in ways that elicit certain types of environment.
D)children behave in ways that reflect the inherited disposition of their biological parents.

Question 69

Which of the following is an example of a nonshared environmental experience of siblings?

A)Family composition
B)Family's socioeconomic status
C)Neighborhood
D)Peer influences

Question 70

Because Juno's parents are athletic,they tend to take her to all types of athletic events and activities like mountain biking,roller blading,and skiing.As a result,Juno has many opportunities to practice her athletic skills.This is an example of a(n)_____.

A)suppressive genotype-environment correlation
B)active genotype-environment correlation
C)passive genotype-environment correlation
D)evocative genotype-environment correlation

Question 71

Which of the following adoptees is least likely to have adjustment difficulties?

A)A toddler adoptee
B)An adolescent adoptee
C)An infant adoptee
D)A preschooler adoptee

Question 72

Behavioral geneticist Robert Plomin has found that:

A)parents tend to treat all their children the same,thus minimizing the effect of nonshared environments on siblings.
B)all factors operating within the family environment impact children equally.
C)the effect of shared and the nonshared environmental influences can be discerned only in identical twins.
D)the existence of a shared environment accounts for little of the variation in children's personalities or interests.

Question 73

Passive genotype-environment correlations occur when:

A)children grow up in a rearing environment provided by the biological parents.
B)children's characteristics elicit certain types of physical and social environments.
C)children seek out environments they find compatible and stimulating.
D)children follow their own inherited predispositions despite being adopted by different families.

Question 74

Rick is a toddler with an easy temperament and active nature.People are often seen stopping to talk to him in supermarkets and parks where his mother takes him in the evenings because he smiles willingly at other children and adults.This aspect of Rick's behavior most likely reflects a(n)_____.

A)active genotype-environment interaction
B)suppressive genotype-environment interaction
C)passive genotype-environment interaction
D)evocative genotype-environment interaction

Question 75

Evocative genotype-environment correlations occur when:

A)biological parents provide a rearing environment for the child.
B)children's characteristics elicit certain types of physical and social environments.
C)children find a setting that is suited to one's abilities.
D)children make active selections of environment in relation to their particular genotype.

Question 76

One of the issues that complicates the interpretation of twin studies is that:

A)fraternal twins are usually perceived as a "set" and play together more often than identical twins do.
B)identical twins represent a more active type of genotype-environment correlation.
C)the environments of identical twins are more similar than those of fraternal twins.
D)fraternal twins are rarely studied in comparison to identical twins.

Question 77

_____ is the field that seeks to discover the influence of heredity and environment on individual differences in human traits and development.

A)Eugenics
B)Behavior genetics
C)Genomics
D)Genetic engineering

Question 78

Horace was an extremely authoritarian parent.He believed in raising his children with discipline,order,and respect for authority.His wife,on the other hand,felt that their children should be given the freedom to make their choices within the limits they imposed as parents.She encouraged their twins,Lauren and Ben,to do new things and seek novel experiences.Horace and his wife treated both their children equally without favoring Ben as he was a boy. From the information provided,which of the following conclusions can be drawn?

A)Birth order was a major contributing factor to the individual differences seen in Ben and Lauren.
B)Differential parental treatment owing to their genders is a shared experience for Ben and Lauren.
C)Horace's authoritarian parenting style is a nonshared experience for Ben and Lauren.
D)The two different parenting styles they both experienced represent a shared experience for Ben and Lauren.

Question 79

Dora has recently started working on a research study that hypothesizes that people who have a defect in a specific gene may have a predisposition to depression.As a second hypothesis,the research is studying the impact of significant lack of social support in triggering the onset of depression in such people.Dora's research is an example of _____ research.

A)gene-gene interaction
B)gene x environment
C)eugenics
D)genetic engineering

Question 80

Which of the following is an example of a shared environmental experience of siblings?

A)Parents' personalities
B)Peer groups
C)Classroom experiences
D)School teachers