Question 1

The term menarche refers to the

Accepted Answer

Menarche is the term used to describe a female's first menstrual period, marking the onset of reproductive capacity in females. The other choices are not accurate definitions of menarche.

Question 2

An example of a primary sex characteristic is a

Accepted Answer

Primary sex characteristics are the organs and structures directly involved in reproduction. In females, the ovaries produce eggs and sex hormones, making them a primary sex characteristic. The larynx (voice box) in males and breasts in females are considered secondary sex characteristics because they develop during puberty but are not directly involved in reproduction. The adrenal glands are not considered sex characteristics at all.

Question 3

Jodie had a difficult childhood.She experienced years of parental neglect,at age 6 her father left them,and then her mother's live-in boyfriend abused her sexually.Jodie's experiences predict that she probably will experience early

Accepted Answer

Jodie's difficult childhood experiences may cause her to experience early onset of menstruation (menarche), as stress and trauma can affect the timing of puberty in girls.

Question 4

At about age 11 in girls and age 12 in boys,a surge of sex hormones triggers the onset of

Accepted Answer

The onset of puberty is triggered by a surge of sex hormones that typically occurs at around age 11 in girls and age 12 in boys. This is a key milestone in physical development, signaling the beginning of adolescence and the potential for reproductive maturity. Gender typing, gender awareness, and gender schemas are all related to the development of gender identity and socialization, but they do not necessarily coincide with the onset of puberty.

Question 5

A baby girl receives a(n)

Accepted Answer

A baby girl receives an X chromosome from both her father and mother, as females inherit one X chromosome from each parent.

Question 6

An intersex condition may be caused by exposure to unusual levels of sex hormones during

Accepted Answer

Intersex conditions are typically caused by genetic or hormonal differences during early fetal development, which can result in ambiguous genitalia and/or variations in internal reproductive organs. The exposure to unusual levels of sex hormones during prenatal development can influence the development of an intersex condition.

Question 7

Joel first experienced an orgasm during a dream that occurred shortly before he awoke from a full night's sleep.Joel's experience best illustrates

Accepted Answer

Joel's experience of his first orgasm during sleep is most likely the result of spermarche, the onset of the production of viable sperm in boys during puberty. This experience is a normal part of male development.

Question 8

Unusual combinations of male and female sexual anatomy are characteristic of newborns who are

Accepted Answer

Intersex is a term used for individuals born with atypical combinations of male and female sexual anatomy or reproductive system. This may include ambiguous genitalia, varying degrees of hormones, and/or chromosomes that do not fit typical male or female patterns. Transgender, bisexual, and asexual are not accurate descriptions of newborns with unusual combinations of sexual anatomy.

Question 9

Research suggests that increased levels of body fat in females are partially responsible for an early onset of

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that increased levels of body fat in females can lead to an earlier onset of puberty. This is because body fat plays a role in the production of hormones such as leptin, which can trigger the onset of puberty.

Question 10

A set of expected behaviors,attitudes,and traits for males or for females is called a

Accepted Answer

A set of expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for males or for females is called gender role. Gender identity refers to an individual's personal sense of being male or female, gender schema is a cognitive structure that organizes gender-related information, and gender type is not a commonly used term in the field of psychology.

Question 11

Primary sex characteristics are

Accepted Answer

Primary sex characteristics refer to the physical structures and organs required for reproduction, such as the vagina, uterus, ovaries, penis, and testes. These are the anatomical features that distinguish males from females. Therefore, the best choice is D. A is incorrect because gender schemas refer to the cognitive framework for understanding gender roles and expectations. B is incorrect because sex chromosomes determine an individual's biological sex but do not encompass all primary sex characteristics. C is incorrect because cultural expectations of gender roles are considered secondary sex characteristics.

Question 12

The prenatal development of the external male sex organs is stimulated by

Accepted Answer

The prenatal development of the external male sex organs is stimulated by testosterone.

Question 13

Puberty refers to

Accepted Answer

Puberty refers to the period of sexual maturation during which a person becomes capable of reproducing. It is marked by the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics and the onset of reproductive function. While the onset of a female's first menstrual period is a common marker of puberty in girls, it is not the only defining factor.

Question 14

A single gene on the Y chromosome throws a master switch at about the _____________ after conception.This triggers the subsequent development of the testes and their production of testosterone.

Accepted Answer

The master switch gene, SRY, is activated around the seventh week after conception, which triggers the development of the testes and the production of testosterone. Therefore, the best choice is B - seventh week.

Question 15

A genetic male newborn with normal male hormones and testes but no penis most clearly shows signs of

Accepted Answer

A genetic male newborn with normal male hormones and testes but no penis most likely has an intersex condition, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia or penile agenesis. This condition results in atypical development of the external genitalia and can lead to difficulties with gender identity and sexual function later in life.

Question 16

Connie experienced her first menstrual period last week.This most clearly indicates that she has entered a developmental period known as

Accepted Answer

The onset of menstrual periods marks the beginning of puberty, which is a major developmental stage in which children transform into young adults. During this time, a number of physical and physiological changes occur, including the growth of pubic hair, breast development, and the start of sperm production in boys.

Question 17

The main androgen that promotes male sex organ development is

Accepted Answer

The main androgen that promotes male sex organ development is testosterone. Testosterone is produced in the testes and is responsible for the development of male sex characteristics, such as the growth of the penis, scrotum, and prostate gland. The Y chromosome determines the sex of the fetus, but it does not produce hormones. Spermarche refers to the first occurrence of ejaculation and is not a hormone. Estradiol is a female hormone that is responsible for the development of female sex characteristics, such as breast development and menstruation.

Question 18

Male and female brains show different patterns of prenatal development due to the influence of

Accepted Answer

The development of male and female brains during prenatal period is primarily influenced by the sex hormones. Testosterone, the male hormone, influences the development of predominantly male brain features, while estrogen, the female hormone, affects the development of predominantly female brain features. Thus, the best choice is D.

Question 19

A boy's first ejaculation is called

Accepted Answer

The term for a boy's first ejaculation is spermarche. Gender typing refers to the process by which children learn the behaviors and attitudes considered appropriate for their gender. Menarche is the onset of a girl's first menstrual period. A secondary sex characteristic refers to physical changes that occur during puberty that are not directly related to reproduction, such as breast development in females and voice changes in males.

Question 20

Nonreproductive sexual characteristics such as the deepened male voice and male facial hair are called

Accepted Answer

Secondary sex characteristics are nonreproductive physical traits that differentiate between males and females, such as the deepened male voice and male facial hair. Primary sex characteristics are reproductive organs, while gender roles and schemas refer to social and cultural expectations and beliefs about gender.

Quiz 4: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality