AP Psychology : Biology and Sensation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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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?

Possible Answers:

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

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 #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?

Possible Answers:

Abnormal

Sex-linked

Dominant

Phenotype

Recessive

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 #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?

Possible Answers:

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.

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 #314 : Biology And Sensation

What are the four lobes of the cerebrum?

Possible Answers:

Medial, Lateral, Anterior, Posterior

Frontal, Dorsal, Ventral, Parietal

Topical, Anterograde, Retrograde, Dorsal

Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, Occipital 

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 #315 : Biology And Sensation

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

Possible Answers:

The central sulcus

The precentral gyrus

The corpus callosum

The hypothalmic membrane

Grey matter

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 #3 : Evolutionary Principles

Which part of the brain helps coordinate movement?

Possible Answers:

The focal gyrus

The spinal cord

The frontal lobe

The amygdala

The cerebellum

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 #316 : Biology And Sensation

Which part of the brain controls our breathing?

Possible Answers:

The thalamus

The occipital lobe

The reticular formation

The amygdala

The medulla oblongata

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.

Example Question #4 : Evolutionary Principles

Which part of the brain is responsible for complex decision-making and has become paritcularly well-developed in humans?

Possible Answers:

The parietal lobe

The frontal lobe

The occipital lobe

The temporal lobe

The amygdala

Correct answer:

The frontal lobe

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Natural selection

Free association

Conscious processing

Unconditional positive regard

Genetic modification

Correct answer:

Natural selection

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Genetic information

Proteins

All of these

Genes

DNA

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Chromosomes are complex structures that contain a molecule of DNA and a protein. DNA strands contain genetic information. 

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