Exam 2: The Biological Basis of Behavior

Compare and contrast strain studies and selection studies. Why are they used and what has been learned from them? What are the limitations to these techniques?

One process by which physicians can test a fetus, in the womb, for possible genetic abnormalities (defects) is called ________.

Twins that develop from two separate fertilized egg cells and are therefore different in genetic make-up are ________ twins.

Each of the following statements about differences in hemispheric functioning is true except ________.

The neurotransmitter known as the "mood molecule" is ________.

Which of the following types of studies is least effective in ruling out environmental effects in the development of traits?

The part of the brain where pain is registered and which is important in hearing and sight is the ________.

Pain-reducing chemicals that occur naturally in the brain are called ________.

The ________ is believed to be the earliest part of the brain to evolve.

The endocrine glands located just above the kidneys that release hormones important for dealing with stress are the ________.

The lobe of the brain that serves as the "executive control center" for the brain is the ________ lobe.

Define and describe the uses for and limitations of family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies. What has been learned from these studies about the role of heredity in shaping human personality?

A "split brain" patient is asked to stare at a spot on a screen. When a picture of an object is shown to the left of the spot, the patient can ________.

The axon of a neuron is often surrounded by a fatty covering called the myelin sheath.

The cable of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body is called the ________.

Anesthetics work primarily by shutting down the ________.

Chemical substances released by the endocrine glands to help regulate bodily functions are ________.

The autonomic nervous system consists of ________.

An imaging technique that has been useful in helping researchers discover the biological origins of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is ________.

The study of how plants, animals, and people pass traits from one generation to the next is called ________.