PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology: Week 7: Chapter 3 Quizzes: Biopsychology

The Correct Answer is:

B. Our genes influence the environments we experience, and our environments influence how our genes are expressed

Genetic-environmental correlation explains the reciprocal relationship between genes and the environment. Our genes can shape the kinds of environments we are exposed to, and in turn, those environments can activate, enhance, or suppress the expression of certain genes. For example, a child genetically predisposed to musical talent may seek environments rich in music, such as lessons and performances, which further develop their abilities. This constant interaction between genetics and environment shapes personality, intelligence, skills, and behavior.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Our environment determines our traits completely, and genes have no influence

This is incorrect because traits result from an interaction between genes and environment. Genes set biological potentials, which the environment helps shape.

C. Genes and environment function separately and do not affect one another

This is incorrect because research shows that genes and environment are interdependent. Genes influence environments we select, and environments, in turn, affect gene expression.

D. Environmental factors can override our genetic makeup and permanently replace inherited traits

This is incorrect because the environment cannot replace or rewrite genes. Instead, it influences how genes are expressed, not the genetic code itself.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Genotype; phenotype

Genotype refers to a person’s complete genetic makeup — the specific set of genes inherited from their parents. It determines the potential traits an individual can develop. Phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the observable physical and behavioral characteristics that result from the interaction between the genotype and environmental factors. Examples of phenotypes include eye color, height, and personality traits, all of which arise from the expression of genes combined with environmental influences.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Phenotype; genotype

This is incorrect because this option reverses the correct relationship. The phenotype refers to observable traits, while the genotype refers to the underlying genetic blueprint that influences those traits.

C. DNA; gene

This is incorrect because DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information, while genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits. These terms describe the structure of heredity, not the relationship between genetic makeup and expressed traits.

D. Gene; DNA

This is incorrect because a gene is not the entire genetic makeup but a specific section of DNA that codes for a single trait. DNA is the complete molecular structure carrying hereditary information, making this option unrelated to the genotype-phenotype distinction.

The Correct Answer is:

d. glucagon and insulin

The pancreas plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels by secreting two key hormones: insulin and glucagon. Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting its uptake into cells for energy or storage, while glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. Together, they maintain homeostasis of blood sugar levels, ensuring the body has a stable energy supply necessary for proper functioning.

Why the other options are incorrect:

a. estrogen and progesterone

This is incorrect because these hormones are secreted by the ovaries in females, not the pancreas. They regulate female reproductive functions, including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

b. norepinephrine and epinephrine

This is incorrect because these hormones are secreted by the adrenal glands, not the pancreas. They prepare the body for fight-or-flight responses during stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy release.

c. thyroxine and oxytocin

This is incorrect because thyroxine is secreted by the thyroid gland to regulate metabolism, while oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland to influence childbirth, bonding, and social behaviors.

The Correct Answer is:

B. It involves injecting a mildly radioactive tracer to monitor blood flow and brain activity

A PET scan is a brain imaging technique that uses a mildly radioactive substance called a tracer, which is either injected or consumed. As brain regions become active, blood flow to those areas increases, carrying more tracer. A computer detects these changes and creates a rough map of active and less active areas of the brain during specific tasks. PET scans provide insight into brain function but have lower spatial resolution compared to fMRI and expose the brain to mild radiation.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. It measures electrical signals in the brain to track neuron activity

This is incorrect because measuring electrical activity is the role of an EEG (electroencephalogram), not a PET scan. PET focuses on blood flow and metabolic activity, not direct electrical signals.

C. It produces static images of brain structures without showing functional activity

This is incorrect because structural imaging is done using MRI or CT scans. PET scans provide functional imaging, allowing researchers to observe which brain regions are active during different tasks.

D. It uses magnetic fields to measure changes in oxygen levels during brain tasks

This is incorrect because this describes fMRI, not PET scans. Unlike fMRI, PET uses radioactive tracers to monitor changes in blood flow and metabolic activity, making the techniques fundamentally different.

The Correct Answer is:

d. substantia nigra

The substantia nigra is located in the midbrain, not the forebrain. It plays a crucial role in producing dopamine, which regulates movement, coordination, and reward pathways. Damage to this area, such as in Parkinson’s disease, leads to motor control issues due to reduced dopamine production. While the forebrain handles higher-order functions like learning, memory, and emotion, the substantia nigra belongs to a different brain region responsible for motor regulation.

Why the other options are incorrect:

a. thalamus

This is incorrect because the thalamus, part of the forebrain, acts as the brain’s sensory relay station, sending sensory information (except smell) to the appropriate cortical regions for processing.

b. hippocampus

This is incorrect because the hippocampus, also part of the forebrain, is essential for forming and storing explicit memories and plays a role in spatial navigation and learning.

c. amygdala

This is incorrect because the amygdala, located in the forebrain, is heavily involved in emotion regulation, especially fear, aggression, and emotional memory formation.

The Correct Answer is:

B. It is the process by which the nervous system changes and adapts based on experiences

Neuroplasticity is the brain and nervous system’s remarkable ability to reorganize and adapt in response to personal experiences, learning, injuries, and developmental processes. It involves forming new neural pathways, strengthening existing connections, or even compensating for damaged areas of the brain. This flexibility allows individuals to acquire new skills, recover from injuries, and adapt to environmental changes, making neuroplasticity a fundamental process in growth and learning throughout life.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. It refers to the brain’s inability to change after childhood development

This is incorrect because neuroplasticity shows that the brain remains capable of change throughout life. While plasticity is more robust in childhood, adults also form new connections and reorganize neural pathways based on learning, practice, and recovery from damage.

C. It describes how neurotransmitters permanently block communication between neurons

This is incorrect because neurotransmitters facilitate communication between neurons rather than permanently blocking it. Neuroplasticity focuses on structural and functional adaptations in the nervous system, not on shutting down neurotransmitter activity or preventing neuron-to-neuron signaling

D. It explains why the spinal cord controls only reflexive and fixed responsesThis is incorrect because neuroplasticity goes beyond reflexive actions managed by the spinal cord. While reflexes are mostly automatic, neuroplasticity involves higher-level brain functions and allows new neural pathways to develop, enabling learning, skill-building, and adaptation to changing environments.

The Correct Answer is:

B. It is involved in hearing, memory, emotion, and some aspects of language

The temporal lobe, located on the sides of the brain near the temples, plays a critical role in processing auditory information, storing memories, regulating emotional responses, and supporting language comprehension. It contains important structures like the auditory cortex for hearing and Wernicke’s area, which helps with understanding spoken and written language. The temporal lobe’s integration of sound, memory, and emotion makes it essential for effective communication and emotional regulation.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. It processes visual information and controls spatial awareness

This is incorrect because visual processing is primarily handled by the occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain. While the temporal lobe may assist with object recognition, it does not primarily handle vision or spatial orientation.

C. It regulates voluntary muscle movement and problem-solving skills

This is incorrect because voluntary movements and executive decision-making are functions of the frontal lobe, not the temporal lobe. The temporal lobe’s role focuses on hearing, language comprehension, and memory rather than controlling motor activity or solving complex problems.

D. It manages balance, coordination, and reflexive motor responses

This is incorrect because these functions are managed by the cerebellum, not the temporal lobe. The cerebellum ensures smooth motor coordination and balance, whereas the temporal lobe specializes in auditory processing, emotional regulation, and language understanding.

The Correct Answer is:

c. parasympathetic nervous system

The parasympathetic nervous system, a branch of the autonomic nervous system, is responsible for promoting relaxation, restoring balance, and maintaining normal body functions after stressful events. It slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, aids digestion, and conserves energy, creating a state of calm and rest. This “rest-and-digest” response helps the body recover from heightened arousal and maintain internal stability.

Why the other options are incorrect:

a. somatic nervous system

This is incorrect because the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles, such as walking or picking up objects. It does not regulate states of relaxation or rest.

b. sympathetic nervous system

This is incorrect because the sympathetic nervous system triggers the “fight-or-flight” response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness during stressful situations. Its activation leads to heightened arousal, not a state of ease.

d. spinal cord

This is incorrect because the spinal cord acts as a communication pathway between the brain and the body, transmitting sensory and motor signals. While essential for neural processing, it does not directly regulate feelings of relaxation or calmness.

The Correct Answer is:

B. It is an electrical signal that travels down the neuron’s axon to transmit information

An action potential is a rapid electrical signal generated by the movement of ions across a neuron’s membrane. It begins when the neuron reaches its threshold, causing sodium ions to rush into the cell and depolarize it. This wave of depolarization travels along the axon, carrying information from the cell body to the axon terminals. Once the signal reaches the synapse, it triggers neurotransmitter release, allowing communication with the next neuron or target cell.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. It is a chemical signal released by neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

This is incorrect because neurotransmitters are part of the chemical signaling process, which occurs after the electrical action potential reaches the axon terminals. The action potential itself is purely electrical, not chemical.

C. It is a structural change in the neuron caused by damage to the cell body

This is incorrect because an action potential does not involve structural damage or permanent changes to the neuron. It is a temporary electrical event that occurs when ions flow in and out of the neuron’s membrane during neural signaling.

D. It is a hormone-driven process that regulates metabolism and body balance

This is incorrect because hormone-driven processes are part of the endocrine system, not neural signaling. While hormones influence body regulation, action potentials are fast, electrical impulses in the nervous system that transmit information rapidly between neurons.