01
True or false
1 point
A person quickly withdraws a hand from a hot surface before consciously registering the pain. Can spinal cord circuits organize this rapid response without waiting for the brain to direct it?
Free Practice Quiz Question List
02 Biological Foundations of Behavior Online Quiz Questions
Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 02 Biological Foundations of Behavior, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.
20 questions
02
Choose one
1 point
A neuron receives signals from several other cells and then sends information onward. Which description correctly matches the structures involved?
- A
The axon receives many incoming signals, and the dendrites carry signals toward other cells.
- B
The dendrites receive many incoming signals, and the axon carries signals toward other cells.
- C
The cell body carries signals toward other cells, and the axon receives incoming signals.
- D
The myelin receives incoming signals, and the cell body carries them toward other cells.
03
Fill in the blank
1 point
A cell type helps support neurons and maintain their environment, while also contributing to functions such as myelination. These are .
04
Written response
1 point
A researcher distinguishes a person's genetic makeup from an observable characteristic shaped by both genes and environmental conditions. What is the term for the person's genetic makeup?
05
True or false
1 point
A particular inherited genetic variant can, by itself, determine a complex behavioral trait regardless of a person's experiences. Is this statement consistent with the material?
- A
True
- B
False
06
Choose one
1 point
A signal is regulating the activity of an internal organ rather than controlling a skeletal muscle. Which broad type of peripheral nervous system pathway is involved?
- A
Somatic pathways, because they regulate organs and glands.
- B
Sympathetic pathways, because they carry all information between the brain and the body.
- C
Autonomic pathways, because they regulate organs and glands.
- D
Parasympathetic pathways, because they control skeletal muscles.
07
Fill in the blank
1 point
A process changes how genes are expressed without changing the DNA sequence. This is a(n) process.
08
Written response
1 point
An endocrine gland releases a hormone into the bloodstream, but only certain cells respond to it. What must those target cells have for the hormone to affect them?
09
Choose one
1 point
Incoming signals bring a neuron to threshold. What is the resulting action potential?
- A
A brief, all-or-none electrical impulse that occurs when the neuron reaches threshold.
- B
A continuous chemical flow that begins whenever dendrites receive any signal.
- C
A hormone released from the axon into the bloodstream.
- D
A gradual change that travels only across the synaptic gap.
10
Choose one
1 point
A researcher is studying a brain region involved in regulating basic drives and linking neural activity with hormone release. Which region best fits this role?
- A
The cerebellum, which links neural activity with hormone release.
- B
The hypothalamus, which helps regulate basic drives and links neural activity with hormone release.
- C
The brainstem, which links neural activity with hormone release.
- D
The cerebral cortex, which regulates basic drives and directly releases hormones.
11
Choose all
1 point
Select all statements that correctly describe communication at a chemical synapse.
- A
An impulse can prompt the release of neurotransmitters at a chemical synapse.
- B
Neurotransmitters cross the gap and produce the same behavioral effect in every circuit.
- C
Neurotransmitters can cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptors on a receiving cell.
- D
A neurotransmitter's effect depends on the receptor and circuit involved.
12
Choose all
1 point
During a stressful event, which statements describe ways the body can coordinate its response? Select all that apply.
- A
Sympathetic activity can rapidly increase heart rate during a stressful event.
- B
The stress response is controlled by a single hormone whose effects are the same in every situation.
- C
The hypothalamus can initiate a hormone pathway involving the pituitary and adrenal glands.
- D
Adrenal hormones, including cortisol, help coordinate the body's response over a longer period.
13
Open ended
1 point
Why is it inadequate to explain a complex behavior as the effect of a single brain region, gene, or hormone? Describe how at least three biological or environmental influences can interact, and give an example of how their combined effects could shape a person's response.
14
Choose one
1 point
After someone touches a hot surface, which explanation best describes how the hand can begin withdrawing before the person consciously recognizes the pain?
- A
The cerebral cortex must direct every movement before it begins.
- B
Spinal cord circuits can activate a withdrawal response before the brain directs it.
- C
The peripheral nervous system makes the brain unnecessary for all responses.
- D
The hypothalamus directly contracts the hand muscles.
15
Choose one
1 point
If the insulating myelin around many axons is damaged, what effect on neural signaling is most directly expected?
- A
Signals may travel less quickly along the axons.
- B
The axons will release hormones into the bloodstream.
- C
The axons will receive incoming signals at the cell body.
- D
Neurotransmitters will be broken down in the synaptic gap.
16
Choose one
1 point
A person has difficulty coordinating the smooth movements needed to ride a bicycle, although they can understand instructions about how to ride. Which brain structure is most directly associated with the affected function?
- A
The cerebellum
- B
The hypothalamus
- C
The brainstem
- D
The pituitary gland
17
True or false
1 point
Compared with many synaptic signals, hormonal effects often begin more slowly and last longer, although this varies by hormone and context.
- A
True
- B
False
18
Choose one
1 point
After a stressful challenge ends, which autonomic division most directly supports the body's return toward routine functioning and recovery?
- A
The somatic division
- B
The sympathetic division
- C
The central nervous system
- D
The parasympathetic division
19
Written response
1 point
A patient has an injury limited to the spinal cord; the brain and peripheral nerves are unaffected. Which major division of the nervous system is directly affected?
20
Written response
1 point
An assessment reports difficulties with language and complex thought. Which broad brain region is associated with both of these functions?