Question 1

Organisms that express traits conducive to survival are more likely to mate and pass on those traits than organisms that do not possess the same favourable traits.This concept is known as

Accepted Answer

The concept described in the question is natural selection. Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This can result in changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time leading to evolution.

Question 2

In general,the ________ of a neuron receives messages from other cells,while the __________ transports messages to the end of the neuron.

Accepted Answer

The dendrites of a neuron receive messages from other cells, while the axon transports messages to the end of the neuron.

Question 3

Dr.Stearns is studying what happens behaviourally when she temporarily inactivates a brain region.Which method is she most likely to be using?

Accepted Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method used to temporarily inactivate or stimulate specific parts of the brain, allowing researchers to study the functional role of these areas in behavior and cognition.

Question 4

When behavioural geneticists use adoption studies to estimate the heritability of a behaviour,the adoptive family can be thought of as representing ________,while the biological family can be thought of as representing ________.

Accepted Answer

In adoption studies, the adoptive family represents the environmental influences or "nurture" aspect, as the child is raised in their environment. The biological family represents the genetic influences or "nature" aspect, as the child inherits their genes from the biological parents.

Question 5

Reggie suffered brain damage in a car accident.As a result,he can no longer breathe on his own and needs the help of a respirator.Which structure of his brain was most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

The medulla is responsible for controlling automatic bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Damage to this area can result in the loss of these vital functions, requiring the use of a respirator to help breathe.

Question 6

_________ are composed of segments of DNA and guide in the process of protein creation.

Accepted Answer

Genes are composed of segments of DNA and are responsible for guiding the process of protein creation. Phenotypes refer to an organism's physical characteristics, while nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Genotypes refer to an organism's genetic makeup.

Question 7

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for quick action in an emergency is the ___________ division.

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body for quick action in an emergency. Choice A is incorrect as the central nervous system refers to the brain and spinal cord. Choice B is incorrect as the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, not the response to an emergency. Choice D is incorrect as the parasympathetic division is responsible for "rest and digest" functions, which are the opposite of the "fight or flight" response.

Question 8

Suppose a researcher studied the occurrence rates of a specific mental illness in monozygotic and dizygotic twins.She finds that in monozygotic twins,if one twin suffers from mental illness,the other twin is also likely to have the mental illness.However,this does not appear to apply to dizygotic twins.What conclusion should the researcher draw from this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the occurrence rates of the mental illness are higher in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins suggests that the illness has a significant genetic component. This is because monozygotic twins share 100% of their genetic material, while dizygotic twins share only around 50%. Therefore, the higher incidence rates in monozygotic twins suggest that genetic factors play a role in the development of the mental illness.

Question 9

Which type of drug would a doctor give a patient to decrease the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain?

Accepted Answer

A dopamine antagonist would decrease the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine by blocking its receptors. This is in contrast to a dopamine agonist, which would increase dopamine activity, and a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which would increase the amount of dopamine available in the brain by preventing its reabsorption. Botox has no effect on dopamine activity.

Question 10

What is a synapse?

Accepted Answer

A synapse is the space between two neurons where neurotransmitters are transmitted from one neuron to another.

Quiz 3: E: Biological Psychology