Deck 2: Biological Beginnings

Question 1

Which of the following is TRUE with regard to genes?

A) Each gene contains multiple chromosomes that are located on it.
B) Genes are located variably in humans; they cannot be found at a fixed place on a chromosome.
C) Genes are contained in complex molecules with a double helix shape called DNA.
D) Genes work individually to assemble proteins.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

In the context of natural selection, "fit" refers to behaviors that increase

A) genetic imprinting.
B) the psychological fitness of a species.
C) gene-environment interaction.
D) the reproductive success of a species.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

The threadlike structures that contain DNA are called

A) nerves.
B) cells.
C) dendrites.
D) chromosomes.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

________ are defined as units of hereditary information.

A) Nerves
B) Cells
C) Genes
D) Engrams

Question 5

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism have been the focus of studies using

A) the genome-wide association method.
B) linkage analysis.
C) next-generation sequencing.
D) dichotic listening techniques.

Question 6

Since completion of the Human Genome Project, childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease have been the focus of studies using

A) the genome-wide association method.
B) linkage analysis.
C) next-generation sequencing.
D) the visual-fixation method.

Question 7

Which of the following statements is TRUE with regard to genes and proteins?

A) Genes act independently to translate the genetic code they carry into an individual's phenotype, or physical features that are observable.
B) Each gene is translated, in an automatic fashion, into one and only one protein.
C) The translation of genes into proteins represents a collaborative process between genes and other factors inside and outside the body.
D) The Human Genome Project established the fact that humans have as many as 100,000 or more genes.

Question 8

Which of the following is TRUE with regard to the views of David Buss on evolution?

A) The influence of evolution is restricted to the development of our unique physical features.
B) The influence of evolution is negligible, as the environment in which a person grows is the sole determinant of his or her personality.
C) The influence of evolution on our reproductive success is not sufficient to explain survival.
D) The influence of evolution on our decision-making abilities, levels of aggression, fears, and mating patterns is significant.

Question 9

Which of the following is an idea generated and supported by evolutionary psychology?

A) Gender roles are socially constructed, as opposed to being a function of evolution.
B) The mind is like a general-purpose device that can be applied equally to a vast array of problems, because evolved psychological mechanisms are not domain-specific.
C) All evolved mechanisms are adaptive in contemporary society.
D) An extended childhood period evolved in humans because they require time to develop a large brain and learn the complexity of human societies.

Question 10

Evolutionary psychology is a relatively new approach to psychology that emphasizes the

A) biological changes that occur in an individual throughout the lifespan.
B) role of adaptation, reproduction, and survival of the fittest in shaping behavior.
C) unilateral manner in which genes determine our behavior and abilities.
D) geographical setting of the person in explaining his or her behavior and abilities.

Question 11

Which of the following statements is TRUE of Darwin's views on evolution?

A) Most organisms reproduce at rates that cause an insignificant increase in their population.
B) The constant struggle for food, water, and resources among members of a species encourages supportive behaviors among them.
C) Behavior that promotes an organism's survival in the natural habitat differentiates survivors and nonsurvivors.
D) Adaptive behaviors are purely psychological.

Question 12

Discovering the location of a gene (or genes) in relation to a marker gene (whose position is already known) is the goal of

A) the genome-wide association method.
B) linkage analysis.
C) next-generation sequencing.
D) collective sampling.

Question 13

Which of the following is the smallest entity?

A) cell
B) gene
C) gamete
D) chromosome

Question 14

The vast increase in genetic data generated at a much reduced cost and in a shorter period of time is referred to as

A) the genome-wide association method.
B) linkage analysis.
C) next-generation sequencing.
D) rapid data collection.

Question 15

Evolutionary psychology, a relatively new approach to psychology, has been especially influenced by

A) David Buss.
B) Sigmund Freud.
C) Albert Bandura.
D) Martin Seligman.

Question 16

The genome-wide association method is used to

A) identify genetic variations linked to a particular disease.
B) collect data from multiple genetic studies and analyze that data.
C) identify the influence of environmental factors on emotional development.
D) rule out the influence of genetics as a cause of diseases.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE with regard to the evolutionary psychology perspective?

A) The evolutionary psychology perspective is one of the oldest applied branches of psychology.
B) The evolutionary psychology perspective represents a bidirectional view, in which environmental and biological conditions influence each other.
C) The evolutionary psychology perspective has been proven through successful empirical study and research.
D) The evolutionary psychology perspective is best evaluated through the study of specific genes and their links to traits and behaviors.

Question 18

The findings of the Human Genome Project revealed that

A) genes possess no fixed locations in humans.
B) humans have far fewer genes than estimated earlier.
C) each gene programs just one protein.
D) humans appear to have far more genes than they have proteins.

Question 19

The theory of evolution by natural selection was first introduced by

A) Charles Darwin.
B) Stephen Jay Gould.
C) Albert Bandura.
D) Sandra Scarr.

Question 20

The evolutionary process that favors individuals of a species that are best adapted to survive and reproduce is known as

A) gene-gene interaction.
B) gene mutation.
C) natural selection.
D) genetic imprinting.

Question 21

________ is a form of cell division that occurs to form gametes.

A) Fertilization
B) Meiosis
C) Gene imprinting
D) Mitosis

Question 22

Which of the following is TRUE with regard to sources of variability?

A) The chromosomes in the zygote are not exact copies of those in the mother's ovaries and the father's testes.
B) Fraternal twins develop from a single zygote that splits into two genetically identical replicas.
C) For each genotype, only a single corresponding phenotype can be expressed.
D) Identical twins develop from separate eggs and separate sperm.

Question 23

________ is defined as the process by which the cell's nucleus, including the chromosomes, duplicates itself and the cell divides.

A) Accommodation
B) Mitosis
C) Assimilation
D) Fertilization

Question 24

Height is a simple characteristic that is determined by

A) a single gene.
B) the interaction of many genes and environmental factors.
C) the manifestation of an altered X-linked gene.
D) the action of a specific pair of genes.

Question 25

Which of the following is TRUE with regard to the dominant-recessive genes principle?

A) A single recessive gene has the potential to silence the other gene of the pair.
B) A recessive gene exerts its influence only if the two genes of a pair are both recessive.
C) Blond hair, nearsightedness, and freckles are dominant traits.
D) Brown hair, farsightedness, and dimples are examples of recessive traits.

Question 26

In order for your children to have freckles, both you and your partner must carry the gene for freckles, because having freckles is a ________ trait.

A) polygenic
B) phenotypic
C) recessive
D) dominant

Question 27

Michael carries two genes for brown hair. Lisa carries a dominant gene for blond hair and a recessive gene for blonde hair. Given this, we know that their child will have a ________ percent chance of having brown hair.

A) 25
B) 50
C) 75
D) 100

Question 28

Which of the following can be deciphered by observing an individual?

A) genetic material
B) phenotype
C) genetic code
D) genetic expression

Question 29

Which of the following was NOT one of the factors identified by researchers as external influences on the excitation or inhibition of genetic expression?

A) stress
B) radiation
C) temperature
D) intelligence

Question 30

According to your text, ________ are assembled and then become capable of producing phenotypic traits.

A) proteins
B) vitamins
C) bones
D) calories

Question 31

A single cell, known as a(n) ________, is formed during the process of fertilization.

A) ovum
B) embryo
C) gamete
D) zygote

Question 32

Caroline is a beautiful baby. The observable characteristics of Caroline's hair and eyes are examples of her

A) genetic coding.
B) genotype.
C) gene-environment interaction.
D) phenotype.

Question 33

Which of the following is caused by faulty genetic imprinting?

A) Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
B) Klinefelter syndrome
C) Turner syndrome
D) Down syndrome

Question 34

One difference between mitosis and meiosis is that

A) meiosis takes place within body cells, while mitosis takes place within gametes.
B) mitosis results in the formation of two cells, while meiosis produces four cells.
C) in mitosis the cells divide twice, while in meiosis only one division occurs.
D) mitosis results in 23 unpaired chromosomes, while meiosis results in 23 paired chromosomes.

Question 35

Both Peggy and Bob are farsighted. If their child is nearsighted, then it follows that

A) both Peggy and Bob lack a gene for farsightedness.
B) only Peggy has a recessive gene for farsightedness.
C) only Bob lacks a gene for nearsightedness.
D) both Peggy and Bob have a recessive gene for nearsightedness.

Question 36

A ________ gene is a permanently altered segment of DNA that can give rise to genetic variability.

A) recessive
B) dependent
C) mutated
D) dominant

Question 37

Studies that focus on the interdependence of two or more genes in influencing characteristics, behavior, diseases, and development are concerned with gene-gene

A) interaction.
B) correlation.
C) confusion.
D) disruption.

Question 38

Which of the following is TRUE with regard to one's genotype?

A) It is apparent in one's physical make-up.
B) It is the sum of a person's genetic material.
C) It can be observed through one's intelligence and personality.
D) Each genotype translates into only one phenotypic expression.

Question 39

Based on your text, which of the following is/are the essential ingredient(s) required to translate one's genotype into one's phenotype?

A) proteins
B) RNA
C) amino acids
D) all of these

Question 40

Recent studies examining gene-gene interaction have documented gene-gene interaction in all of the following EXCEPT

A) autism.
B) asthma.
C) immune system functioning.
D) cancer.

Question 41

Which of the following is TRUE with regard to Down syndrome?

A) Down syndrome afflicts only males.
B) No remedial measures improve the quality of life and adaptive capacity of children with Down syndrome.
C) The risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases with very low or high maternal age.
D) Down syndrome is a sex-linked chromosomal abnormality.

Question 42

________ is a gene-linked abnormality that is caused by a glandular dysfunction that interferes with mucus production.

A) Sickle-cell anemia
B) Tay-Sachs disease
C) Diabetes
D) Cystic fibrosis

Question 43

Which of the following is a consequence of sickle-cell anemia?

A) inability to metabolize an amino acid called phenylalanine
B) limited oxygen supply to the body's cells
C) delayed blood clotting, causing internal and external bleeding
D) limited production of insulin

Question 44

Ultrasound sonography uses ________ to conduct prenatal diagnosis.

A) a strong magnetic field
B) strong ultraviolet waves
C) high-frequency infrared waves
D) high-frequency sound waves

Question 45

Which of the following is a neural tube disorder that can be treated with corrective surgery at birth?

A) Huntington's disease
B) Tay-Sachs disease
C) spina bifida
D) diabetes

Question 46

Which of the following genetic disorders affects only males?

A) phenylketonuria
B) sickle-cell anemia
C) Klinefelter syndrome
D) Down syndrome

Question 47

Which of the following genetic disorders can be classified as a sex-linked chromosomal abnormality?

A) phenylketonuria
B) sickle-cell anemia
C) Klinefelter syndrome
D) Down syndrome

Question 48

At age 6, Joe underwent a minor dental procedure that was followed by prolonged bleeding. When the bleeding could not be controlled by any common means, Joe was hospitalized and, later, diagnosed with a condition that can make simple injuries, bruises, or cuts extremely threatening because of delayed blood clotting. His parents were informed that if the problem continued or worsened, Joe would require frequent blood transfusions and medical care. Joe is suffering from

A) phenylketonuria.
B) hemophilia.
C) spina bifida.
D) diabetes.

Question 49

Which of the following genetic disorders is characterized by the X chromosome being missing or incomplete in females?

A) fragile X syndrome
B) Turner syndrome
C) Klinefelter syndrome
D) Down syndrome

Question 50

Jerry was born with a round face, flattened skull, short limbs, and retardation of motor and mental abilities. The doctors told Jerry's parents that this is because he has an extra copy of chromosome 21. Which of the following chromosomal abnormalities does Jerry have?

A) phenylketonuria
B) Turner syndrome
C) sickle-cell anemia
D) Down syndrome

Question 51

Which of the following genetic disorders is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21?

A) Down syndrome
B) Turner syndrome
C) sickle-cell anemia
D) phenylketonuria

Question 52

Which of the following genetic disorders are caused by the presence of an extra chromosome?

A) Down syndrome and Turner syndrome
B) Turner syndrome and sickle-cell anemia
C) Klinefelter syndrome and Down syndrome
D) phenylketonuria and XYY syndrome

Question 53

The XYY syndrome is characterized by the

A) male having an extra Y chromosome.
B) female having an extra Y chromosome.
C) male having an extra X chromosome.
D) female having a missing X chromosome.

Question 54

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Klinefelter syndrome?

A) a protruding tongue
B) a webbed neck
C) undeveloped testes
D) an extra fold of skin over the eyelids

Question 55

________ occurs most commonly in African Americans.

A) Down syndrome
B) Turner syndrome
C) Sickle-cell anemia
D) Phenylketonuria

Question 56

Which of the following genetic disorders is characterized by the inability of individuals to properly metabolize a particular amino acid?

A) phenylketonuria
B) sickle-cell anemia
C) Turner syndrome
D) fragile X syndrome

Question 57

When Wendy was a baby, she was diagnosed with a gene-linked abnormality that left her unable to metabolize an important amino acid. Because her condition was diagnosed early, the doctors recommended that her parents put her on a diet that prevents an excess accumulation of the concerning amino acid in her body. This diet has helped her deal with the disorder successfully without experiencing any of the major disturbances of development this disorder is associated with. Wendy is likely suffering from

A) phenylketonuria.
B) hemophilia.
C) Turner syndrome.
D) fragile X syndrome.

Question 58

Which of the following genetic disorders affects only females?

A) Turner syndrome
B) sickle-cell anemia
C) Klinefelter syndrome
D) Down syndrome

Question 59

Nancy has recently undergone a surgery to correct her webbed neck. This is one of the many difficulties she faces as a result of being born with a missing X chromosome. She is also very short and overweight. Doctors have informed her parents that hormone therapy is an option to treat her condition, though reproductive sterility is a big possibility. Nancy's school performance is fairly average; she encounters problems with mathematics but has good verbal skills. Which of the following chromosomal disorders does Nancy have?

A) fragile X syndrome
B) Klinefelter syndrome
C) Turner syndrome
D) Down syndrome

Question 60

Which of the following is TRUE with regard to fragile X syndrome?

A) The physical appearance of children with fragile X syndrome is markedly altered.
B) Mental abilities are relatively normal in individuals with fragile X syndrome.
C) This disorder occurs more frequently in males than in females.
D) This disorder is caused by the missing X chromosome in humans.

Question 61

According to Dr. Lynn Perlman, identity formation or developing a sense of uniqueness is especially difficult for

A) males.
B) females.
C) twins.
D) only children.

Question 62

Joan and Jane are identical twins in their teenage years. It is likely that the two girls

A) are very happy being perceived as "one" person.
B) are in the midst of trying to form unique personalities.
C) are still dressing in the same outfits.
D) share the same exact pattern of beliefs and values that they have since childhood.

Question 63

Passive genotype-environment correlations occur when

A) children grow up in a rearing environment provided by the biological parents.
B) children's characteristics elicit certain types of physical and social environments.
C) children seek out environments they find compatible and stimulating.
D) children follow their own inherited predispositions despite being adopted by different families.

Question 64

The first fetal screening procedure that Holly Brook underwent revealed potential abnormalities in her baby. Subsequently, she underwent another procedure in which a powerful magnetic field and radio images were used to generate detailed images of the baby's organs and structure. This prenatal diagnostic test, which showed more clearly that her baby has certain abnormalities in the central nervous system, is called

A) amniocentesis.
B) fetal MRI.
C) noninvasive prenatal diagnosis.
D) ultrasound sonography.

Question 65

Jorge, an adoptee and an emerging adult, has never met his biological mother or father. Jorge's adoption would be considered a(n) ________ adoption.

A) closed
B) open
C) abnormal
D) cultural

Question 66

According to research, who seems to benefit from open adoptions?

A) child
B) biological parents
C) adoptive parents
D) all of these

Question 67

Jennifer was adopted at an early age, while Jasmine grew up in the foster care program. Based on research presented in your text, what is one likely outcome related to their respective cognitive development?

A) Jennifer's cognitive abilities will be below Jasmine's cognitive abilities.
B) Jennifer's cognitive abilities will be above Jasmine's cognitive abilities.
C) There will be little noticeable difference between the girls' cognitive abilities.
D) Research on adoption and foster care has not focused on cognitive development.

Question 68

One of the consequences of fertility treatments is a(n)

A) increase in the birth weight of babies.
B) decrease in genetic disorders.
C) increase in postterm pregnancies.
D) increase in multiple births.

Question 69

Which of the following types of fetal sex determination is/are characterized by the by assessment of cell-free DNA in maternal plasma?

A) fetal MRI
B) ultrasound sonography
C) various noninvasive techniques
D) amniocentesis

Question 70

Which of the following is true of attachment issues in adoptees?

A) Substantial differences in attachment have been found between adopted and nonadopted infants with their parents.
B) Little difference in attachment has been found between adopted and nonadopted elementary-age children with their parents.
C) Little difference in attachment has been found between adopted and nonadopted infants with their parents.
D) Adoptive parents of infants have shown overall better attachments and behaviors than the biological parents of infants.

Question 71

In the United States, ________ is by far the most commonly used assisted reproduction technique.

A) surrogate mothering
B) gamete intrafallopian transfer
C) artificial insemination
D) in vitro fertilization

Question 72

Conclusions from recent studies on adoption suggest that a(n) ________ adoption leads to better adjustment for adolescents and emerging adults.

A) closed
B) open
C) classified
D) secret

Question 73

Which of the following prenatal diagnostic tests uses a sample of the placenta to detect genetic and chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus?

A) amniocentesis
B) chorionic villus sampling
C) noninvasive prenatal diagnosis
D) ultrasound sonography

Question 74

Norah and Bob are elated, as they have just brought their twins home. After trying to have a baby of their own for eight years, they opted for fertility treatment a year ago. Their gametes were harvested and fertilized artificially; and the successfully fertilized eggs were placed back in Norah's uterus. The pregnancy was fairly uneventful after that, although Norah had to go for frequent medical checks and take many precautionary measures. Norah and Bob used the ________ technique of assisted reproduction.

A) artificial insemination
B) in vivo fertilization
C) in vitro fertilization
D) gamete intrafallopian transfer

Question 75

One of the issues that complicates the interpretation of twin studies is that

A) fraternal twins are usually perceived as a "set" and play together more often than identical twins do.
B) identical twins represent a more active type of genotype-environment correlation.
C) the environments of identical twins are more similar than those of fraternal twins.
D) fraternal twins are rarely studied in comparison to identical twins.

Question 76

In the 17th week of her pregnancy, Penny Wills was asked to take the triple screen test, as she had a family history of birth defects. Her doctor assured her that the test would take very little time and posed no risks to her baby. Which of the following prenatal diagnostic tests has the doctor asked her to undergo?

A) maternal blood screening
B) noninvasive prenatal diagnosis
C) chorionic villus sampling
D) ultrasound sonography

Question 77

Research on adoption has identified an increased risk for adoptees in all the following areas EXCEPT

A) aggression.
B) depression.
C) ADHD.
D) asthma.

Question 78

Which of the following statements concerning adoption studies is correct?

A) Adoption studies involve studying the behavioral similarity of identical twins raised together.
B) Adoption studies compare children's traits with their adoptive and biological parents' traits.
C) Adoption studies cannot be conducted on single children or siblings who are neither identical nor fraternal twins.
D) Adoption studies clearly show that environment is more important than heredity.

Question 79

Which of the following prenatal diagnostic tests is used during amniocentesis to locate the precise point for drawing a sample?

A) maternal blood screening
B) noninvasive prenatal diagnosis
C) chorionic villus sampling
D) ultrasound sonography

Question 80

________ is the field that seeks to discover the influence of heredity and environment on individual differences in human traits and development.

A) Eugenics
B) Behavior genetics
C) Genomics
D) Genetic engineering