AP Psychology : Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Genetics

Which of the following are made up of genes?

Possible Answers:

Genome 

Chromatin 

DNA

Centromeres  

Chromosomes

Correct answer:

Chromosomes

Explanation:

DNA creates a code or blueprint for genes. Genes group together and condense in order to create chromosomes. Genome would be an incorrect answer because it refers to an organism’s entire DNA sequence. Centromeres would also be incorrect as an answer because it is a part of the chromosome. This is the point on a chromosome that will attach to spindle fibers during mitosis and meiosis.

Example Question #1061 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

Which of the following describes the difference between fraternal and identical twins?

Possible Answers:

Fraternal twins have the same genome and identical twins have similar genomes. 

Fraternal twins are from two fertilized eggs and identical twins are from one fertilized egg

Fraternal twins are from one fertilized egg and identical twins are from two fertilized eggs

None of these

Fraternal twins have the same genes and identical twins have similar genes

Correct answer:

Fraternal twins are from two fertilized eggs and identical twins are from one fertilized egg

Explanation:

Identical twins come from a monozygotic egg—one egg that's been fertilized and then splits into two. They come from the same egg and sperm; therefore, they will be genetically identical. Fraternal twins come from dizygotic fertilized eggs - two separate eggs, each fertilized by its own sperm. This renders two children that will not be genetically identical (i.e. normal siblings with the same parents).

Example Question #181 : Biology

Findings from twin studies indicate that genes influence a trait when __________ show more trait similarities than __________

Possible Answers:

identical twins. . . fraternal twins

fraternal twins. . . identical twins

dizygotic twins. . . monozygotic twins

siblings. . . parents

Correct answer:

identical twins. . . fraternal twins

Explanation:

Identical twins share 100% (or nearly 100%) of their genetic makeup, and fraternal twins only share about 50%. Because of this, twin studies can help clarify what traits have a genetic component rather than those associated with the environment. If a trait has a genetic component, then it will be clear because the identical twins will be more likely to share that trait than fraternal twins.

Identical twins are also called monozygotic (one fertilized egg that split) and fraternal twins are called dizygotic (two separate eggs that were fertilized). Siblings and parents are not the correct answers because the question asks about twin studies, not family studies.

Example Question #182 : Biology

In an adoption study, it is found that adopted children score more similarly to their adopted parents than their biological parents on a specific trait. Given this information a professional would most likely agree with which of the following conclusions?

Possible Answers:

Genetics have a greater effect on trait X than environmental influences

The environment has a greater effect on trait X than genetic influences

Genetic and environmental influences on the trait are about the same

The trait is not heritable

Correct answer:

The environment has a greater effect on trait X than genetic influences

Explanation:

Adoption studies are a great way to study heritability because it separates genetic influences (e.g. biological parents) from environmental influences (e.g. adoptive parents). By examining traits in adoptees, one can reasonably conclude the specific influences of biological heredity. In this case, children scored more similarly to their adoptive parents, so it's likely that the environment had more to do with the expression of the specific trait than their genetic makeup did. 

Example Question #12 : Genetics

In order for a person to have blond hair, he or she must have two of the same genes; therefore, blond hair is considered to be which of the following kinds of genes?

Possible Answers:

Recessive

Phenotype

Sex-linked

Abnormal

Dominant

Correct answer:

Recessive

Explanation:

Recessive genes require that two genes be present in order for the person to display the phenotype or trait. This is true for blond and red hair. Dominant genes only require one gene to be present, which is true for brown hair. The definition of a phenotype is a person's observable characteristics. Sex-linked genes are located on sex chromosomes. Last, color blindness is sex-linked. 

Example Question #183 : Biology

A recessive gene is a gene that is inherited but not usually expressed in a person's phenotype. True or false?

Possible Answers:

False, phenotypes are not related to genes.

False, because the genotype is unrelated to observable traits.

False, because the phenotype is a collection of observable traits

True

False, because the phenotype is a collection of non-observable traits

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

Recessive genes are usually not expressed in a person's phenotype, that is, the set of observable traits a person possesses. Environmental factors can "bring them to light" in a manner of speaking but they are usually not expressed. Dominant genes, such as the gene for dark-colored eyes, are always expressed in the phenotype. 

Example Question #184 : Biology

What are the four lobes of the cerebrum?

Possible Answers:

Topical, Anterograde, Retrograde, Dorsal

Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, Occipital 

Medial, Lateral, Anterior, Posterior

Frontal, Dorsal, Ventral, Parietal

Occipital, Ventral, Frontal, Temporal

Correct answer:

Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, Occipital 

Explanation:

The brain's four lobes are the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, and occipital lobe. Each lobe exists in a distinct part of the cerebral cortex and serves a different primary function. The frontal lobe is located toward the front of the brain, directlly behind the forehead, and is used to process higher level thinking such as conscious thought. The temporal lobe is located toward the outside of the head, behind the temple and ears, and is responsible for auditory processing. The parietal lobe is located superior to (above) the temporal lobe at the top of the head and is primarily responsible for processing motor and sensory functions. The occipital lobe is located at the back of the head and processes visual signals.

Example Question #185 : Biology

What structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebral cortex?

Possible Answers:

The precentral gyrus

The corpus callosum

Grey matter

The hypothalmic membrane

The central sulcus

Correct answer:

The corpus callosum

Explanation:

The corpus callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebal cortex. Its main purpose is to facilitate communication between the two hemispheres.

The precentral gyrus and central sulcus are topical features of the brain (a ridge and a groove, respectively) that separate the frontal and parietal lobes.

Example Question #182 : Biology

Which part of the brain helps coordinate movement?

Possible Answers:

The amygdala

The frontal lobe

The cerebellum

The focal gyrus

The spinal cord

Correct answer:

The cerebellum

Explanation:

The cerebellum, located in the rear of the brainstem, helps coordinate our voluntary movements and helps us maintain balance.

Example Question #186 : Biology

Which part of the brain controls our breathing?

Possible Answers:

The thalamus

The amygdala

The reticular formation

The medulla oblongata

The occipital lobe

Correct answer:

The medulla oblongata

Explanation:

The medulla oblongata controls our breathing and heart rate. It is located at the base of the brainstem. Note that most structures in the brainstem are associated with essential, involuntary functions.

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