Tastes and smells are distinct kinds of environmental information in that
A) neural projections from taste receptors reach different parts of the brain than the neural projections from olfactory receptors.
B) the single area of the cerebral cortex that receives smell and taste signals can distinguish tastes and smells by the pattern of action potentials received.
C) tastant molecules are airborne, whereas odorant molecules are dissolved in fluids.
D) distinguishing tastant molecules requires learning, whereas smell discrimination is an innate process.
E) odorants bind to receptor proteins, but none of the tastant stimuli bind to receptors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Taste and smell information is processed separately in different areas of the brain. Neural projections from taste receptors reach different parts of the brain than the neural projections from olfactory receptors. This is why tastes and smells are distinct kinds of environmental information.

Answer: C
 Taste stimuli are dissolved in fluids whereas odorant molecules are airborne. This is because taste receptors are located in the mouth and respond to chemicals dissolved in saliva, while olfactory receptors are in the nose and detect odorant molecules that are floating in the air.

Tastes and Smells Are Distinct Kinds of Environmental Information in That