All AP Psychology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #311 : Biology And Sensation
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?
Genetics have a greater effect on trait X than environmental influences
Genetic and environmental influences on the trait are about the same
The environment has a greater effect on trait X than genetic influences
The trait is not heritable
The environment has a greater effect on trait X than genetic influences
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 #312 : Biology And Sensation
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?
Abnormal
Sex-linked
Dominant
Phenotype
Recessive
Recessive
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 #313 : Biology And Sensation
A recessive gene is a gene that is inherited but not usually expressed in a person's phenotype. True or false?
False, because the phenotype is a collection of non-observable traits
False, phenotypes are not related to genes.
False, because the phenotype is a collection of observable traits
True
False, because the genotype is unrelated to observable traits.
True
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 #314 : Biology And Sensation
What are the four lobes of the cerebrum?
Medial, Lateral, Anterior, Posterior
Frontal, Dorsal, Ventral, Parietal
Topical, Anterograde, Retrograde, Dorsal
Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, Occipital
Occipital, Ventral, Frontal, Temporal
Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, Occipital
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 #315 : Biology And Sensation
What structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebral cortex?
The central sulcus
The precentral gyrus
The corpus callosum
The hypothalmic membrane
Grey matter
The corpus callosum
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 #3 : Evolutionary Principles
Which part of the brain helps coordinate movement?
The focal gyrus
The spinal cord
The frontal lobe
The amygdala
The cerebellum
The cerebellum
The cerebellum, located in the rear of the brainstem, helps coordinate our voluntary movements and helps us maintain balance.
Example Question #316 : Biology And Sensation
Which part of the brain controls our breathing?
The thalamus
The occipital lobe
The reticular formation
The amygdala
The medulla oblongata
The medulla oblongata
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.
Example Question #4 : Evolutionary Principles
Which part of the brain is responsible for complex decision-making and has become paritcularly well-developed in humans?
The parietal lobe
The frontal lobe
The occipital lobe
The temporal lobe
The amygdala
The frontal lobe
The frontal lobe, specifically the prefrontal cortex, is involved in complex decision-making and making goal-oriented plans.
Example Question #5 : Evolutionary Principles
Which of the following is a core tenet of evolutionary psychology?
Natural selection
Free association
Conscious processing
Unconditional positive regard
Genetic modification
Natural selection
Natural selection is the theory that certain traits become more or less common in a population based on its reproductive success in a group of organisms. Evolutionary (sometimes called Darwinian) psychology studies human thought in the context of Darwinian evolution.
Example Question #193 : Biology
What are chromsones made of?
Genetic information
Proteins
All of these
Genes
DNA
All of these
Chromosomes are complex structures that contain a molecule of DNA and a protein. DNA strands contain genetic information.