Sensory Receptors and Neural Pathways (6A) Practice Test

Researchers examined auditory transduction by presenting tones of increasing intensity while recording from the auditory nerve. As intensity increased, the recorded neural response increased in firing rate and recruited additional fibers. Which of the following best explains the sensory process described?

Investigators evaluated adaptation in olfaction. Participants continuously inhaled a constant concentration of a vanilla odor for 60 seconds and rated perceived intensity every 10 seconds. Ratings dropped sharply after 20 seconds, but a brief (5-second) removal of the odor restored intensity ratings upon re-exposure. Which of the following best explains the sensory process described?