Deck 4: Biological Beginnings

Question 1

A pregnant woman has an ultrasound to assess the progress of the twins she is expecting. Her doctor says, "From what I can see on the screen, Ms. Black, it looks as if you will have a boy and a girl." In what stage of development must the twins be?

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

Answer 1

D

Question 2

About 25 days after a conception, the brain of a baby-to-be is a tiny tube. Over time the tube grows longer and folds to form pockets that gradually evolve into structurally
Different parts. Inside the tube, neurons reproduce at an astonishing rate and then
Migrate to various locations to take on their functions. All of this happens regardless
Of the future baby's environmental circumstances. Which one of the following
Concepts best describes the nature of this early brain development?

A) mitosis
B) canalization
C) codominance
D) reflexive action

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Children typically have some characteristics not seen in either of their biological parents. Which one of the following is the most common source of these unique
Characteristics?

A) Some segments of genetic material at the equivalent locations in paired chromosomes cross over, essentially swapping places.
B) Grandparents or great-grandparents may chemically "shield" certain genes, with these shields eroding only gradually over several decades.
C) When certain aspects of the meiosis process are delayed by several weeks, new genetic patterns inevitably emerge.
D) Certain segments of genetic material erratically and unpredictably "leap" from their initial chromosome to a very different one, typically as a result of high hormone levels in the mother.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Human cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes. Within each pair:

A) Both chromosomes are inherited from the same-sex parent.
B) Both chromosomes are inherited from the opposite-sex parent.
C) One chromosome is inherited from the mother and the other from the father.
D) One chromosome is inherited from the mother and the other may come from either the mother or the father.

Question 5

Genes influence physical development most directly by:

A) Interacting with cells in the mother's placenta
B) Instructing the body to produce certain proteins
C) Controlling the speed with which electrical impulses flow
D) Secreting certain enzymes that stimulate or inhibit growth

Question 6

Some physical disabilities are the result of genetic abnormalities. An example is Down syndrome, in which:

A) Children have a defective dominant gene
B) Children have a defective recessive gene
C) Children have an extra chromosome
D) Children are missing a chromosome

Question 7

The gene for red hair is a recessive gene. Luke has red hair, but neither of his biological parents has red hair. Given this information, we can reasonably guess that:

A) Luke's father has a red-hair gene, but his mother doesn't.
B) Luke's mother has a red-hair gene, but his father doesn't.
C) Each of his parents has one (but only one) red-hair gene.
D) Neither of his parents has a red-hair gene.

Question 8

A tiny cluster of cells has just traveled down one of its mother's fallopian tubes and implanted itself in the mother's uterus. What word is typically used for a baby-to-be at this stage of development?

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

Question 9

Most complex psychological traits in human beings are probably shaped by:

A) Multifactorial trait and environmental experiences
B) Monogenetic inheritance marked by a low degree of canalization
C) Polygenetic inheritance marked by a high degree of canalization
D) Environmental experiences, with only minor constraints due to genetic inheritance

Question 10

More than 20,000 genes make up human DNA. Of these genes, how many do all human beings have in common?

A) Less than 10% of them
B) Approximately 20% of them
C) About half of them
D) The great majority of them

Question 11

Which one of the following best describes codominance in genes' effects on children's growth and development?

A) One of the alleles associated with a particular physical characteristic is more influential in females; the other is more influential in males.
B) The two alleles associated with a particular physical characteristic both have some influence.
C) A dominant gene temporarily "succumbs" to a recessive gene's influence, typically as a result of poor nutrition.
D) Two or more recessive genes essentially overpower a dominant gene-something that happens only in males.

Question 12

Imagine that you are a beginning teacher and learn that your new class of students will include a pair of monozygotic twins. You should expect that:

A) You may need the advice and guidance of a special educator who works with children who have mild mental retardation.
B) They will have greater-than-average susceptibility to common illnesses.
C) They will be noticeably smaller than your other students.
D) You may initially have trouble telling them apart.

Question 13

A small mass has been in a mother's placenta for several weeks. A small head is distinguishable from the body, and tiny buds that will become arms and legs are just beginning to sprout fingers and toes. What word is typically used for a baby-to-be at this stage of development?

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

Question 14

Reproductive cells (sperm in men and ova in women) are different from other human cells in that they:

A) Have an outer coating that can be easily penetrated
B) Have only half as many chromosomes
C) Are tadpole-shaped rather than round
D) Are unaffected by poor nutrition

Question 15

Ruth has always been a rambunctious, outspoken child. She has excessively high energy levels and tendency to blurt out what she is thinking and interrupting others. What is something that is not recommended to encourage her to do?

A) Join a drama club
B) Raise her hand before speaking
C) Join a debate club
D) Follow her natural tendencies

Question 16

Imagine that you are a preschool teacher and want to foster your students' development in a variety of domains. In which of the following areas is canalization most likely to be a significant factor in their development?

A) motor skills
B) social skills
C) counting skills
D) pre-reading skills

Question 17

Which one of the following statements most accurately describes the effects of a particular gene on a child's development and functioning?

A) A gene's effects depend partly on the child's health and activity levels and on environmental conditions in which the child lives.
B) A gene is like a computer program that, once started, proceeds through a series of steps to its inevitable conclusion.
C) A gene is essentially a ticking "time bomb" that is scheduled to "explode" at a certain time regardless of other things that might be happening in the body.
D) Any single gene's impact is highly unpredictable from one individual to the next.

Question 18

A pre-school teacher who works with infants and toddlers makes sure to talk with her young students frequently. She sings nursery rhymes with them. She is taking advantage of which of the following with them?

A) canalization
B) inclusion
C) sensitive period
D) maturation

Question 19

Multifactorial trait refers to a situation in which a trait is influenced by:

A) A gene on the X chromosome
B) A gene on the Y chromosome
C) A single gene from each child's parents
D) Several (or perhaps) many genes

Question 20

Mary is pregnant with her first child and has recently had genetic testing to determine whether her baby-to-be is growing normally. Among other things, her test results indicate that the twenty-third chromosome pair of her fetus includes one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. This means that:

A) Mary's baby will have Down syndrome.
B) Mary's baby has a 50-50 chance of having Klinefelter syndrome.
C) Mary is expecting a girl.
D) Mary is expecting a boy.

Question 21

Michael is a premature newborn. His parents have recently brought him home from the hospital He cries frequently and is not easily consolable. What is most likely to be something that may benefit Michael's parents as they continue to care for their premature infant?

A) Meditation
B) Waiting until he matures
C) Letting him cry
D) Counseling

Question 22

Sarah is more than one week past the due date of her child's birth. Her doctor wants to induce labor. Which of the following medications will Sarah most likely receive?

A) Epidural analgesia
B) Anesthetic
C) Pitocin
D) Opioid

Question 23

Family members should know that reflexes are a way of interacting with their baby. Reflexes show that the baby's brain and body are operating the way that they should. Which is not a reflex?

A) Grasping
B) Crying
C) Stepping
D) Swallowing
Essay Question

Question 24

The placenta and fetal membranes are expelled by the uterus during the:

A) First stage of labor
B) Second stage of labor
C) Third stage of labor
D) Fourth stage of labor

Question 25

A pregnant woman regularly uses cocaine and heroin throughout her pregnancy. Chances are that her baby will:

A) Have Down syndrome
B) Have Tay-Sachs disease
C) Be born late and have an exceptionally large head
D) Be born prematurely and show unusual irritability

Question 26

Three of the following are sound words of advice for any pregnant woman. Which piece of advice is not sound?

A) Stop smoking.
B) Exercise regularly.
C) Stop taking all prescription medication immediately.
D) Stop drinking alcoholic beverages.

Question 27

In the days leading up to labor, which of the following is least likely to be experienced by the mother?

A) Increased time spent sleeping
B) Some loss of weight
C) Descent of the baby
D) Increased energy

Question 28

Three of the following are examples of teratogens. Which one is not a teratogen?

A) nicotine
B) whiskey
C) lead dust
D) loud noise

Question 29

Which one of the following best describes the nature of a Braxton-Hicks contraction?

A) The fetus is in the birth canal and will be a newborn baby within the hour.
B) The mother's uterine muscles are not yet causing any cervical dilation.
C) The mother's body is working extra hard because the baby is in a breech position.
D) The force is strong enough that the mother's water breaks (i.e., the sac holding the fluid around the fetus breaks open).

Question 30

What is the phenomenon called by which children alter their environments through their choices and behaviors?

A) niche construction
B) genetic expression
C) interpersonal relationship
D) developmental trend

Question 31

When 2-month-old Ranan is fussy, his caregivers can often soothe him by playing music. He seems especially partial to Barry White songs, which his mother often played in the last few weeks of her pregnancy. Which one of the following is the most likely explanation of Ranan's partiality to Barry White music?

A) Ranan was able to hear and remember Barry White songs even before he was born.
B) Barry White has a deep, resonating voice, which male infants (but not female infants) find especially soothing.
C) The "music" area of the brain becomes activated in the second week of life, and it shows early preferences for certain styles of music.
D) Ranan is showing early signs of giftedness, as recognition of music typically doesn't emerge until about six months of age.

Question 32

During which stage of labor might the mother feel a slight decrease in blood pressure and feel chilled?

A) First stage of labor
B) Second stage of labor
C) Third stage of labor
D) Fourth stage of labor

Question 33

The cervix is fully dilated, and the baby proceeds down the birth canal during the:

A) First stage of labor
B) Second stage of labor
C) Third stage of labor
D) Fourth stage of labor

Question 34

Marcia returned home Wednesday with her new infant daughter. On the phone with her best friend Anna, she expressed some concern: "I am so tired, and I feel like I just don't know what to do!" Anna has had three children already. The best advice Anna can give to Marcia at this time is:

A) "There's a lot to learn. The first thing is to identify the baby's preferences so you can respond appropriately."
B) "There's a lot to learn, and I'm here to help you. I'll show you how infants like to be comforted."
C) "There's a lot to learn, and you're probably not going to sleep much for a few weeks."
D) "There's a lot to learn, but first get some sleep. I'm here to help you. "

Question 35

Babies are considered premature when they are:

A) Born before the due date
B) Born before the end of 37 weeks after conception
C) Small and light given the amount of time they have had to develop in the mother's uterus
D) Lack the physical maturity to breathe independently or suck adequately to meet nutritional needs

Question 36

Eight-year-old Elizabeth has unusual facial features and has exceptional difficulty learning and remembering the basics of reading, writing, and math. Without knowing anything else about Elizabeth, you might wonder if she has:

A) Thalassemia
B) Huntington disease
C) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
D) Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Question 37

What is the practice called when the needs of children who have biologically based disabilities are accommodated in the regular classroom?

A) Intervention
B) Inclusion
C) Individualization
D) Differentiated instruction

Question 38

Three of the following are common practices in caring for a premature infant. Which one is not recommended?

A) Cuddle the infant.
B) Massage the infant.
C) Give the infant plenty of light.
D) Minimize any disruptions to sleep.

Question 39

What is not one of the states of arousal that new parents should know in order to respond to their baby's needs?

A) Crying
B) Quiet sleep
C) Rooting
D) Drowsiness

Question 40

Sam has always been athletic. He was on the soccer team in his middle school. As he entered high school, he decided to form a soccer team for young children in his neighborhood. He is showing which of the following?

A) Maturation
B) Talent
C) Canalization
D) Niche construction

Question 41

Implications From 9 weeks after Conception until Birth: Encourage pregnant women to care for themselves as well as to manage their own stress levels through appropriate exercise and relaxation techniques. Encourage prospective parents to prepare for the birth by attending classes and expressing their desires for a particular kind of birth.

Question 42

Developmental Concepts at Birth: The type of medical care given to early and small babies depends on their state of health and physical needs. Premature babies are at risk for developing a range of health problems and may benefit from long-term care and intervention. With good care, the developmental outcomes of premature infants are often quite positive.

Question 43

Prenatal development is influenced by both nature and nurture. Describe at least two ways in which nature is involved and at least two ways in which nurture is also involved in prenatal physical development.
Developmental Trends Table
Promoting Healthy Beginnings for Children and Their Families

Question 44

Developmental Concepts During the First Few Weeks of Pregnancy: During the period of the zygote, the future human being develops rapidly but has yet to implant into the uterus or to form separate body parts. The zygote might not be harmed by the mother's drinking and smoking. During the embryonic period, however, the rapidly growing being is especially vulnerable to harmful substances. Whether embryos exposed to teratogens suffer structural damage depends on a variety of factors, including magnitude, timing, and duration of the exposure and individual genes.