If a female rat is ovariectomized and given T at birth, she will not perform lordosis for a male even when given estradiol and progesterone. In this case, the animal has experienced
A) behavioral defeminization.
B) behavioral masculinization.
C) activational effects of estradiol and progesterone.
D) organizational effects of estradiol and progesterone.
E) organizational effects of testosterone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ovariectomy removes the ovaries, which are the primary source of estrogen and progesterone in females. Giving testosterone at birth would have masculinized the brain and behavior of the rat. However, without the presence of estrogen and progesterone, which are needed for the activation of lordosis behavior, the animal experiences behavioral defeminization.

If a Female Rat Is Ovariectomized and Given T at Birth