Deck 3: Genes, Evolution, and Environment

Question 1

According to sociobiologists, it is evolutionarily beneficial for females to:

A) attach themselves to dominant males.
B) compete with other females for access to young males.
C) have more male offspring than female offspring.
D) be promiscuous and drawn to sexual novelty.

Answer 1

attach themselves to dominant males.

Question 2

How can researchers estimate the heritability of a trait?

Answer 2

A good answer will include the following key points.
- Researchers can compare correlations between the traits of adopted children and those of their biological and adoptive relatives, and can use the results to compute an estimate of heritability.
- Another way to estimate heritability is to compare identical twins with same-sex fraternal twins.
- The assumption is that if identical twins are more alike than fraternal twins, the increased similarity must be due to genetic influences.

Question 3

Sociobiologists suggest that humans behave in ways that will:

A) optimize the chance of passing on their genes at the expense of the genes of their relatives.
B) maximize the propagation of their genes and those of their close relatives.
C) optimize the chances for males, but not for females, to propagate their genes.
D) optimize the chances for females, but not for males, to propagate their genes.

Answer 3

maximize the propagation of their genes and those of their close relatives.

Question 4

Describe three stressful family circumstances that, according to your textbook, have been associated with reduced mental ability in children.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes what a "mental module" is?

A) a specific brain area that has evolved a particular function
B) a mental process that is taught from generation to generation
C) a specialized mental process that has evolved through natural selection
D) an area of the brain where ancestral memories are stored

Question 6

What two processes, during the formation of sperm and eggs, help explain genetic changes within a population?

Question 7

Evolutionary biologists often start with an observation about some characteristic and then try to account for it in evolutionary terms. How might they explain the difference in the plumage of male peacocks when compared to the females?

Question 8

Estimates of the heritability of intelligence:

A) are higher for adults than children.
B) are higher for children than adults.
C) do not change with age.
D) fluctuate almost every day according to the environment.

Question 9

What is practice play? How might it be beneficial in an evolutionary sense?

Question 10

Describe the structure of DNA. Who discovered this structure?

Question 11

What is epigenetics? How are epigenetic changes different than genetic changes?

Question 12

What is the fundamental idea behind natural selection?

Question 13

According to Professor Levinson, the development of inheritable traits that helped our biological ancestors survive might help explain commonalities in human behaviour today. He is most likely to consider himself:

A) an epigenesist.
B) an evolutionary psychologist.
C) an empiricist.
D) a sociocultural psychologist.

Question 14

Which of the following statements is true about heritability?

A) Heritability allows a person to determine how much of his or her intelligence is determined by genetics.
B) A trait with high heritability generally cannot be modified by experience.
C) If a trait is determined to be highly heritable in one environment, it will be so in all environments.
D) Heritability cannot be directly measured; it must be inferred based on studies of people with a known degree of genetic similarity.

Question 15

An example of a characteristic that is either present at birth in all humans or develops rapidly during maturation would be:

A) strong eyesight.
B) a fear of new things.
C) an understanding of numbers.
D) leadership qualities.

Question 16

What is the human genome? What is the current estimate of the number of genes in the human genome?

Question 17

Each human chromosome has:

A) 23 pairs of genes.
B) 23 genes.
C) 46 pairs of genes.
D) thousands of genes.

Question 18

Why do behavioural geneticists seek adopted children as subjects in studies of heritability?

Question 19

Genes are located on _______________, rod-shaped structures found in the nucleus of the cell.

A) ribosomes
B) Chromosomes
C) Genomes
D) DNA

Question 20

What is meant by the term "mental module"?

Question 21

Which of the following best describes the position of most psychologists today on the nature-nurture issue?

A) Nature and nurture interact to produce both our psychological and physical traits.
B) Nature is more important in producing our physical traits, whereas nurture is more important in producing our psychological traits.
C) Nature is more important in producing our psychological traits, whereas nurture is more important in producing our physical traits.
D) Some of our psychological traits are produced primarily by nature and some by nurture, but nature is most important in producing our physical traits.

Question 22

The average IQ gap between severely malnourished children and well-nourished children can be as high as:

A) 5 points.
B) 10 points.
C) 15 points.
D) 20 points.

Question 23

According to your textbook, which of the following is an innate human characteristic?

A) an impulse to lie and cheat
B) an impulse to play
C) a preference for consistency
D) management skills

Question 24

Which of the following best describes the position of most psychologists today on the nature-nurture issue?

A) Nature and nurture interact to produce both our psychological and physical traits.
B) Nature is more important in producing our physical traits, whereas nurture is more important in producing our psychological traits.
C) Nature is more important in producing our psychological traits, whereas nurture is more important in producing our physical traits.
D) Some of our psychological traits are produced primarily by nature and some by nurture, but nature is most important in producing our physical traits.

Question 25

A nativist would claim that the chief determining factor of behaviour and other psychological traits is:

A) operant conditioning.
B) classical conditioning.
C) the parent-child relationship.
D) heredity.

Question 26

Sociobiologists predict that, compared to males, females should be more likely to:

A) be polygamous.
B) be monogamous.
C) choose a young, attractive mate.
D) be promiscuous.

Question 27

The functional units of heredity that are composed of DNA, specify the structure of proteins, and are located on chromosomes are called:

A) genomes.
B) ribosomes.
C) genes.
D) nuclei.

Question 28

_______________ may occur because of mistakes made when DNA copies itself during cell divisions or because of environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

A) Mutations
B) Noncoding DNA
C) Epigenetics
D) Twins

Question 29

Which of the following arguments do the critics of sociobiology highlight?

A) Human male patterns of sexual preferences and behaviours are also observed in the males of many other species.
B) In some species, males are monogamous and, in other species, females are promiscuous.
C) In surveys of humans, females rank qualities like kindness and intelligence as more important in the selection of a mate than males do.
D) In the majority of world cultures, males are more likely to be promiscuous and undiscriminating in selection of a sexual partner compared to females.

Question 30

_______________ is defined as a statistical estimate of the proportion of the total variance in some trait that is attributable to genetic differences among individuals within a group.

A) Heredity
B) Heritability
C) Diversity
D) Expressivity

Question 31

The functional units of heredity that are composed of DNA, specify the structure of proteins, and are located on chromosomes are called:

A) genomes.
B) ribosomes.
C) genes.
D) nuclei.

Question 32

_______________, the basic units of heredity, are located on chromosomes.

A) Ribosomes
B) Cells
C) Genes
D) Nuclei

Question 33

In the past, psychologists who emphasized the role of inborn characteristics on human behaviour were called:

A) empiricists.
B) behaviourists.
C) nativists.
D) psychoanalysts.

Question 34

_______________ are rod-shaped and paired structures made of DNA, and are located in the nucleus of a cell.

A) Chromosomes
B) Genomes
C) Genes
D) Genetic markers

Question 35

Sociobiologists argue that:

A) human social and sexual practices are learned.
B) human social and sexual practices are too unique and varied to be due to evolutionary factors.
C) although biology determines many human characteristics, social behaviours result from the effects of culture alone.
D) social behaviour in animals, including human beings, can be explained by evolutionary concepts.

Question 36

_______________ is an interdisciplinary field of study concerned with the genetic bases of individual differences in behaviour and personality.

A) Behavioural genetics
B) Evolutionary psychology
C) Empiricism
D) Functionalism

Question 37

According to Professor Sandoval, the development of inheritable traits that helped our biological ancestors survive might help explain commonalities in human behaviour today. She is most likely to consider herself:

A) an epigenesist.
B) an evolutionary psychologist.
C) an empiricist.
D) a sociocultural psychologist.

Question 38

All of the cells of the human body (except for sperm and ova cells) contain _______________ chromosomes.

A) 23
B) 46
C) 23,000
D) 46,000

Question 39

With regard to the interaction between human genes and experiences:

A) genes can affect one's experiences, but experiences cannot affect genes.
B) experiences can affect genes, but genes cannot affect experiences.
C) both genes and experiences can affect each other.
D) the effects of genes and experience are independent.

Question 40

Empiricists would agree that:

A) experience can write virtually any message on the blank slate of human nature.
B) an impulse for young mammals to play and fool around may be biologically adaptive.
C) just as a bird is designed to fly, human beings are designed to use language.
D) men are genetically wired to be promiscuous and women to be monogamous.

Question 41

Genes are located on _______________, rod-shaped structures found in the nucleus of a cell.

A) ribosomes
B) chromosomes
C) genomes
D) DNA

Question 42

The A, T, C, and G molecules in DNA code for the synthesis of:

A) genes.
B) amino acids.
C) chromosomes.
D) proteins.

Question 43

_______________ discovered the double helix structure of DNA.

A) Rosalind Franklin and Linus Pauling
B) Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin
C) James Watson and Francis Crick
D) Janet Newman and Francis Collins

Question 44

The principle of natural selection was first formulated in general terms by the British naturalist:

A) Francis Crick.
B) Gregor Mendel.
C) James Watson.
D) Charles Darwin.

Question 45

Linkage studies are used to help determine:

A) where a gene for a particular trait is likely to be located.
B) where and how genetic mutations take place.
C) a map of the human nucleus.
D) where the boundaries between individual genes are located.

Question 46

Which of the following best describes the relationship between genes and traits?

A) Physical traits are usually determined by a single gene pair, whereas psychological traits are usually determined by multiple genes.
B) Psychological traits are usually determined by a single gene pair, whereas physical traits are usually determined by multiple genes.
C) Both physical and psychological traits are usually determined by multiple genes.
D) Both physical and psychological traits are usually determined by a single gene.

Question 47

Which of the following describes how new genetic variations arise?

A) During the production of the sperm and egg, genes can spontaneously mutate and recombine to create new traits.
B) Natural selection causes stable genes to begin to mutate.
C) When a new trait is required for an organism's survival, the body begins to create new genes by recombining DNA sequences from existing genes.
D) The least "fit" members of a species acquire genetic material from the "fittest" members.

Question 48

_______________ are rod-shaped and paired structures made of DNA and are located in the nucleus of a cell.

A) Chromosomes
B) Genomes
C) Genes
D) Genetic markers

Question 49

The four basic chemical elements that hold the two helixes of DNA together are identified by these letters:

A) A, G, P, D.
B) A, T, C, G.
C) G, D, B, T.
D) G, C, Y, T.

Question 50

_______________ lies outside the genes and is sometimes called "junk DNA."

A) RNA
B) Autosomal DNA
C) Noncoding DNA
D) Mitochondrial DNA

Question 51

The study of stable changes in the expression of a particular gene that occur without changes in DNA base sequences is called:

A) molecular biology.
B) epigenetics.
C) evolutionary psychology.
D) behavioural genetics.

Question 52

_______________ can help explain why identical twins and cloned genetically identical animals living in exactly the same environment may differ considerably in appearance and behaviour.

A) Epigenetics
B) Noncoding DNA
C) Evolution
D) Mental modules

Question 53

Each human chromosome has:

A) 23 pairs of genes.
B) 23 genes.
C) 46 pairs of genes.
D) thousands of genes.

Question 54

_______________ are DNA segments that vary considerably among individuals and whose locations on the chromosome are already known.

A) Bases
B) RNA
C) Genomes
D) Genetic markers

Question 55

Which of the following best describes the principle of natural selection?

A) A species constantly improves as parents pass along their best traits to their offspring.
B) Over time, the amino acids producing defective traits are destroyed by the body.
C) Individuals with genetically influenced traits that are adaptive in a particular environment tend to survive and reproduce.
D) If a trait or characteristic is no longer adaptive, then the environment will create better, more adaptive traits.

Question 56

The human genome is estimated to contain about _______________ genes.

A) 7,000
B) 22,000
C) 46,000
D) 303,000

Question 57

The four basic chemical elements that hold the two helixes of DNA together are called:

A) thymine, histamine, cytosine, and almandine.
B) lysine, adenine, serine, and guanine.
C) thymine, adenine, cytosine, and guanine.
D) almandine, histamine, cytosine, and lysine.

Question 58

One way scientists can search for genes that are associated with rare disorders is by carrying out:

A) experimental studies.
B) psychometric studies.
C) linkage studies.
D) noncoding studies.

Question 59

Evolution can be defined as:

A) a change in gene frequencies within an organism that occurs over the organism's lifespan.
B) a change in learned behaviours that are taught from generation to generation.
C) a change in gene frequencies within a population over many generations.
D) the gradual increase in animal intelligence over generations, culminating in the development of homo sapiens.

Question 60

_______________ may occur because of mistakes made when DNA copies itself during cell divisions or because of environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

A) Mutations
B) Noncoding DNA
C) Epigenetics
D) Twins

Question 61

Which of the following would an evolutionary psychologist expect to be more typical of females than of males?

A) Promiscuity
B) choosiness about sexual partners
C) concern with dominance
D) emphasis on physical attractiveness of partners

Question 62

Which among the following arguments do the critics of sociobiology highlight?

A) Human male patterns of sexual preferences and behaviours are also observed in the males of many other species.
B) In some species, males are monogamous and, in other species, females are promiscuous.
C) In surveys of humans, females rank qualities like kindness and intelligence as more important in the selection of a mate than males do.
D) In the majority of world cultures, males are more likely to be promiscuous and undiscriminating in selection of a sexual partner compared to females.

Question 63

Evolutionary psychologists have found from extensive studies around the world that:

A) women, compared to men, are more interested in the physical attractiveness of their partners.
B) women, compared to men, are more sexually jealous and possessive of their partners.
C) men, compared to women, are more likely to emphasize the prospects of a potential mate.
D) men, compared to women, are more interested in the youth of their partners.

Question 64

Which of the following is a reason critics challenge the evolutionary views of sex differences in dating and mating?

A) The behaviour of humans often fails to conform to the stereotyped images of sexually promiscuous males and coy females.
B) Evolutionary psychologists have tended to rely on data from case studies, which can be a poor guide to participants' actual sexual behaviours.
C) Modern humans are not affected by evolutionary pressures.
D) In most societies, it is no longer evolutionarily beneficial for males to have as many offspring as they can.

Question 65

Which of the following is true, according to the critics of evolutionary psychology?

A) The responses of men and women to surveys about sex and mating are often a poor indication of their actual behaviour.
B) Evolutionary psychologists have tended to rely on data from case studies, which can be a poor guide to the sexual behaviours of participants.
C) Modern humans are not affected by evolutionary pressures.
D) Too few studies have been done to conclude that sex differences exist.

Question 66

Evolutionary psychologists and sociobiologists would be most likely to agree that:

A) the study of nonhuman species is an effective method of exploring the evolution of human characteristics.
B) human males and females differ in their sexual strategies and practices.
C) the study of human dating and mating practices around the world is the most effective method of exploring sexual strategies.
D) the sexual behaviour of the female does not seem to depend on the goal of fertilization because pregnant females continue to have sex.

Question 67

According to sociobiologists, it is evolutionarily beneficial for females to:

A) attach themselves to dominant males.
B) compete with other females for access to young males.
C) have more male offspring than female offspring.
D) be promiscuous and drawn to sexual novelty.

Question 68

Sociobiologists predict that, compared to males, females should be more likely to:

A) be polygamous.
B) be monogamous.
C) choose a young, attractive mate.
D) be promiscuous.

Question 69

To gather data about sexual behaviour, evolutionary psychologists have relied heavily on:

A) case studies.
B) naturalistic observation.
C) questionnaires.
D) laboratory studies.

Question 70

Sociobiologists argue that:

A) human social and sexual practices are learned.
B) human social and sexual practices are too unique and varied to be due to evolutionary factors.
C) although biology determines many human characteristics, social behaviours result from the effects of culture alone.
D) social behaviour in animals, including human beings, can be explained by evolutionary concepts.

Question 71

Which of the following best describes what a "mental module" is?

A) a specific brain area that has evolved a particular function
B) a mental process that is taught from generation to generation
C) a specialized mental process that has evolved through natural selection
D) an area of the brain where ancestral memories are stored

Question 72

Sociobiologists suggest that humans behave in ways that will:

A) optimize the chance of passing on their genes at the expense of the genes of their relatives.
B) maximize the propagation of their genes and those of their close relatives.
C) optimize the chances for males, but not for females, to propagate their genes.
D) optimize the chances for females, but not for males, to propagate their genes.

Question 73

According to sociobiologists, it is evolutionarily beneficial for males to:

A) conserve resources by having only a few children.
B) be choosy in their selection of sexual partners.
C) seek secure, stable relationships to ensure the fidelity of females.
D) be promiscuous and drawn to sexual novelty.

Question 74

Which of the following statements supports the critics of evolutionary psychologists?

A) In most species of birds, fish, and mammals, males are sexually ardent and often have many female partners.
B) Very few females have sex when they are ovulating or pregnant.
C) Males in many species stick around and feed infants.
D) Sexual attitudes vary very little between cultures.

Question 75

Which of the following is the hypothesis an evolutionary psychologist is most likely to put forth?

A) Humans dislike bitter food because it indicates that the flavoring is artificial.
B) Humans are often scared of loud sirens because they are associated with the police.
C) Humans are often scared of snakes because this trait protected our ancestors from deadly bites.
D) Humans like sweet food because it is associated with special treats, like ice cream.

Question 76

_______________ is an interdisciplinary field that emphasizes evolutionary explanations of social behaviour in animals, including human beings.

A) Evolutionary psychology
B) Sociobiology
C) Behavioural genetics
D) Eugenics

Question 77

According to your textbook, which of the following is an innate human characteristic?

A) an impulse to lie and cheat
B) an impulse to play
C) a preference for consistency
D) management skills

Question 78

An example of a characteristic that is either present at birth in all humans or develops rapidly during maturation would be:

A) strong eyesight.
B) a fear of new things.
C) an understanding of numbers.
D) leadership qualities.

Question 79

When he is teaching a class on "Our Human Heritage," Professor Frohardt, a sociobiologist, is likely to contend that:

A) evolution has bred into each of us a tendency to act in ways that maximize our chances of passing on our genes.
B) evolution can explain simple behaviours, such as smiling or recognizing emotions, but it cannot account for complex social customs, such as taboos against female adultery.
C) males and females of a species are affected by the same evolutionary pressures.
D) the differences between the mating behaviours of men and women are largely cultural.

Question 80

Over the past 150 years, Darwin's ideas have been:

A) strongly challenged by findings in biology.
B) resoundingly supported by findings in anthropology, botany, and molecular genetics.
C) reexamined and found to be unscientific.
D) slowly replaced by newer theories, making Darwin's original theories only important from a historical point of view.