Question 1

This part of the brain controls the secretion of hormones in response to signals received from the hypothalamus:
A)amygdala
B)pituitary gland
C)corpus callosum
D)cerebellum

Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland is a gland located at the base of the brain that controls the secretion of hormones in response to signals received from the hypothalamus. The amygdala is involved in emotion and memory, the corpus callosum is responsible for communication between the two hemispheres of the brain, and the cerebellum is involved in motor coordination and balance.

Question 2

When levels of testosterone in the bloodstream increase, performance on:
A)verbal tasks generally improves
B)verbal tasks generally declines
C)spatial tasks generally improves
D)spatial tasks generally declines

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that when levels of testosterone increase, performance on spatial tasks generally improves. Testosterone is strongly associated with spatial abilities, such as mental rotation and navigation, and has been linked to enhanced performance in these areas. Verbal abilities, on the other hand, are less affected by testosterone levels.

Question 3

The body is able to initiate and control growth and regulate internal biological systems using the:
A)autonomic nervous system
B)parasympathetic nervous system
C)tectum
D)endocrine system

Accepted Answer

The endocrine system is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, and other internal processes. It works in connection with the nervous system to regulate bodily functions and maintain homeostasis. The autonomic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system are subdivisions of the larger nervous system, but their primary functions are to control involuntary actions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. The tectum is a part of the midbrain that is primarily involved in sensory processing and reflexive responses to stimuli.

Question 4

When levels of estrogen in the bloodstream increase, performance on:
A)verbal tasks generally declines
B)spatial tasks generally improves
C)verbal tasks generally improves
D)spatial tasks generally declines

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that higher levels of estrogen can improve performance on verbal tasks, such as memory recall and word fluency. This may be due to estrogen's effects on the hippocampus, a brain region important for verbal memory. However, higher levels of estrogen may not have a significant impact on spatial tasks.

Question 5

The communications system provided by the endocrine system complements that of the nervous system because the actions of the endocrine system are:
A)more localized and more short term
B)more localized and more long term
C)more widespread and more long term
D)more widespread and more short term

Accepted Answer

The endocrine system secretes hormones that travel throughout the body in the bloodstream, resulting in widespread effects and a longer-lasting response than the nervous system. The nervous system is more localized and immediate in its actions. Therefore, choice C, which indicates that the endocrine system is more widespread and long term, is the best option.

Question 6

Emmet and Victoria were walking down a dark street late one night when two dangerous- looking individuals suddenly emerged from an alleyway.Both Emmet and Victoria felt their stomachs tighten and their hearts start to pound.These whole-body reactions were created because signals from the hypothalamus led to increased activity in the:
A)endocrine system
B)cerebellum
C)parietal lobe
D)somatic nervous system

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the stress response by activating the endocrine system, particularly the adrenal glands, to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to the physiological changes Emmet and Victoria experienced.

Question 7

The endocrine system provides for the body's long-term communication needs by releasing:
A)hormones into the nervous system
B)neurotransmitters into the bloodstream
C)hormones into the bloodstream
D)neuromodulators

Accepted Answer

The endocrine system is responsible for releasing hormones into the bloodstream to carry out long-term communication within the body. Neurotransmitters are released by the nervous system and act over short distances at synapses. Neuromodulators are also released by the nervous system and modify the activity of neurons, but they do not enter the bloodstream.

Question 8

Lucas had a stroke that was confined to the right side of his brain.Based on the results from studies investigating hemispheric lateralization, you should predict that Lucas will have the most problems with:
A)tasks that require spatial skills, such as fitting together puzzle pieces
B)language and communication
C)his fine motor coordination
D)tasks that require mathematics and logical reasoning skills

Accepted Answer

Studies investigating hemispheric lateralization have found that the right hemisphere is more specialized for spatial skills such as mentally rotating objects and navigating in space. As Lucas's stroke was confined to the right side of his brain, he is likely to have more problems with spatial skills than with other types of tasks.

Question 9

When your roommate slammed the door and started screaming, you felt your heart race and your muscles tense.These physical changes were due to:
A)GABA
B)endorphins
C)serotonin
D)epinephrine

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress or emergency situations. It triggers the sympathetic nervous system, causing physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and sweating.

Question 10

Barney was frightened when a bat unexpectedly flew into the house.Although the bat has been gone for nearly 15 minutes, Barney is still a little shaky and agitated.This long-term, widespread response to the arousing situation is mainly a result of activity in Barney's:
A)peripheral nervous system
B)endocrine system
C)central nervous system
D)substantia nigra

Accepted Answer

The endocrine system is responsible for releasing hormones into the bloodstream, which can affect the body over a longer period. In Barney's case, the stress response likely involved the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can keep the body in a heightened state of arousal even after the initial threat (the bat) is gone. This system works in conjunction with the nervous system but is known for its longer-lasting effects compared to the immediate responses typically managed by the nervous system.

Question 11

Research into hemispheric lateralization indicates that compared to the left hemisphere, the right hemisphere plays a more significant role in:
A)language and communication
B)spatial tasks, such as fitting together puzzle pieces
C)fine motor coordination
D)mathematics and logical reasoning

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that the right hemisphere plays a more dominant role in spatial tasks, such as mental rotation, navigating through space, and recognizing faces. The left hemisphere is more involved in language and logical reasoning. Fine motor coordination is not necessarily dominated by one hemisphere. Mathematics and logical reasoning show a somewhat equal contribution from both hemispheres.

Question 12

Chemicals released into the blood by endocrine glands to help control internal regulatory functions are called:
A)hormones
B)secretions
C)neurotransmitters
D)factors

Accepted Answer

Hormones are chemicals released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions. Secretions are a more general term and can refer to any substance released by a cell or gland. Neurotransmitters are chemicals released by nerves to transmit signals to other cells. Factors is a vague term and could refer to any number of substances.

Question 13

A trait that has been selected for because it increases the reproductive fitness of the organism is a(n):
A)phenotype
B)transmission
C)gene
D)adaptation

Accepted Answer

A trait that has been selected for because it increases the reproductive fitness of the organism is known as an adaptation. This is because the trait improves the organism's chances of surviving and reproducing in its environment, and therefore is more likely to be passed on to future generations. Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics of an organism, transmission refers to the passing on of genetic information from one generation to another, and gene refers to a specific segment of DNA that encodes a particular trait. While these terms are all related to the concept of evolution, only adaptation specifically refers to a trait that has been favored by natural selection due to its beneficial effects on reproductive success.

Question 14

Some data links "tomboy" behavior (rough and tumble play) in girls to:
A)prenatal exposure to testosterone
B)prenatal exposure to estrogen
C)early childhood (age 6) exposure to epinephrine
D)early childhood (age 6) exposure to pituitary growth hormone

Accepted Answer

Prenatal exposure to testosterone has been linked to tomboy behavior in girls. Testosterone is a hormone that is primarily associated with male development, but females also produce this hormone to a lesser extent. Research suggests that higher levels of prenatal testosterone exposure may influence the development of behaviors that are typically associated with masculinity, such as rough and tumble play.

Question 15

Becky has a brain tumor that is confined to the left side of her brain.Based on the results from studies investigating hemispheric lateralization, you should predict that Becky will have the most problems in tasks that require:
A)spatial skills, such as fitting together puzzle pieces
B)language and communication
C)judging temporal durations
D)interpreting and understanding emotions

Accepted Answer

Studies investigating hemispheric lateralization have shown that language and communication abilities are predominantly located in the left hemisphere of the brain. Since Becky's tumor is confined to the left side of her brain, she will likely have the most problems in tasks that require language and communication.

Question 16

The corpus callosum is:
A)the part of the brain that connects the two hemispheres
B)the part of the brain that connects the frontal lobe and limbic system
C)the part of the brain that connects the occipital lobe and temporal lobe
D)the part of the brain that connects the occipital lobe and parietal lobe

Accepted Answer

The corpus callosum is a broad band of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain, allowing them to communicate and coordinate their activities. Choices B, C, and D describe other neural connections in the brain.

Question 17

Research into hemispheric lateralization indicates that compared to the right hemisphere, the left hemisphere plays a more significant role in:
A)spatial tasks, such as fitting together puzzle pieces
B)judging temporal durations
C)interpreting and understanding emotions
D)language and communication

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that the left hemisphere of the brain is more involved in language processing and communication. The right hemisphere plays a greater role in spatial abilities and the interpretation of emotions. While both hemispheres are involved in temporal judgment, studies have found that the left hemisphere may have a slight advantage in this area.

Question 18

Charity lost her balance and fell down a flight of stairs.Although she was not seriously hurt, she was still shaking and couldn't seem to calm down, even an hour after her fall.This long-term, widespread response to a frightening incident is mainly a result of activity in Charity's:
A)peripheral nervous system
B)central nervous system
C)substantia nigra
D)endocrine system

Accepted Answer

The endocrine system is responsible for releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in response to stress, which can cause prolonged effects such as shaking and difficulty calming down after a frightening incident.

Question 19

Todd and Lisa were walking down a dark street late one night when two dangerous- looking individuals suddenly emerged from an alleyway.Both Todd and Lisa felt their stomachs tighten and their hearts start to pound.These whole-body reactions were created because the hypothalamus signaled their endocrine systems to release:
A)testosterone
B)norepinephrine and epinephrine
C)estrogen
D)serotonin

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus signals the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine during the fight or flight response, which is a natural reaction to a perceived threat or danger. These hormones prepare the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and raising blood sugar levels.

Question 20

All babies vocalize with cries and coos in the first few months.Some psychologists believe that these vocalizations promote survival because they ensure infants maintain contact with caregivers.Based on this, evolutionary psychologists would likely classify infant cries and coos as:
A)universal and adaptive
B)economical and adaptive
C)universal and economical
D)economical and random

Accepted Answer

The fact that all babies vocalize with cries and coos in the first few months, and that these vocalizations enable the babies to maintain contact with caregivers, suggests that they are universal, i.e. present in all infants regardless of culture. Furthermore, the survival advantage conferred by these vocalizations indicates that they are adaptive, i.e. selected for because they enhance the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction. Therefore, evolutionary psychologists would likely classify infant cries and coos as universal and adaptive.

Quiz 3: Biological Processes

This part of the brain controls the secretion of hormones in response to signals received from the hypothalamus:

When levels of testosterone in the bloodstream increase, performance on:

The body is able to initiate and control growth and regulate internal biological systems using the:

When levels of estrogen in the bloodstream increase, performance on:

The communications system provided by the endocrine system complements that of the nervous system because the actions of the endocrine system are:

The endocrine system provides for the body's long-term communication needs by releasing:

Lucas had a stroke that was confined to the right side of his brain.Based on the results from studies investigating hemispheric lateralization, you should predict that Lucas will have the most problems with:

When your roommate slammed the door and started screaming, you felt your heart race and your muscles tense.These physical changes were due to:

Barney was frightened when a bat unexpectedly flew into the house.Although the bat has been gone for nearly 15 minutes, Barney is still a little shaky and agitated.This long-term, widespread response to the arousing situation is mainly a result of activity in Barney's:

Research into hemispheric lateralization indicates that compared to the left hemisphere, the right hemisphere plays a more significant role in:

Chemicals released into the blood by endocrine glands to help control internal regulatory functions are called:

A trait that has been selected for because it increases the reproductive fitness of the organism is a(n) :

Some data links "tomboy" behavior (rough and tumble play) in girls to:

Becky has a brain tumor that is confined to the left side of her brain.Based on the results from studies investigating hemispheric lateralization, you should predict that Becky will have the most problems in tasks that require:

The corpus callosum is:

Research into hemispheric lateralization indicates that compared to the right hemisphere, the left hemisphere plays a more significant role in:

Charity lost her balance and fell down a flight of stairs.Although she was not seriously hurt, she was still shaking and couldn't seem to calm down, even an hour after her fall.This long-term, widespread response to a frightening incident is mainly a result of activity in Charity's:

All babies vocalize with cries and coos in the first few months.Some psychologists believe that these vocalizations promote survival because they ensure infants maintain contact with caregivers.Based on this, evolutionary psychologists would likely classify infant cries and coos as: