Question 1

Roger Sperry cut a newt's optic nerve and rotated the eye. Axons from what used to be the dorsal part of the retina (now located on the ventral side) grew back to the target areas ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  that ordinarily get input from the dorsal retina 
B)  that ordinarily get input from the ventral retina 
C)  that ordinarily get input from the center of the retina 
D)  equally and diffusely

Question 2

A gene is found that controls the age at which a man grows bald, if at all. That gene seldom affects women, even if they have the gene. What kind of gene is this MOST likely to be?

Accepted Answer

A)  An X-linked gene 
B)  A sex-limited gene 
C)  A sex-linked dominant gene 
D)  A sex-linked recessive gene

Question 3

Changes in single genes are called ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  alterations 
B)  mutations 
C)  mendelians 
D)  enzymes

Question 4

An evolutionary psychologist would likely be most interested in studying ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  altruistic behavior of meerkats 
B)  cardiovascular function across species 
C)  anatomy of the rat brain 
D)  neurotransmitters in primates

Question 5

A cortical cell originally responded to stimulation of the middle finger. After amputation of that finger, it begins responding to the second and fourth fingers. Which action most likely accounts for this?

Accepted Answer

A)  Synaptic reorganization 
B)  Growth of completely new axons 
C)  Altered pattern of blood vessels in the brain 
D)  A psychotic reaction

Question 6

Ischemia is to ____ as hemorrhage is to ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  older individuals; younger individuals 
B)  proximal; distal 
C)  obstruction; rupture 
D)  barely noticeable; lethal

Question 7

What modern day practice helps prevent an inadequate production of thyroid hormones?

Accepted Answer

A)  Fluoride in drinking water 
B)  Processed sugar 
C)  Iodized salt 
D)  Artificial sweeteners

Question 8

The fluid-filled cavity of the developing neural tube becomes the ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  forebrain 
B)  midbrain 
C)  spinal cord 
D)  ventricular system

Question 9

Genes become more prevalent in a population if they contribute to reproductive success.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

After the migrating neuron reaches its destination, ____ begin to form.

Accepted Answer

A)  dendrites 
B)  axons 
C)  nuclei 
D)  ganglions

Question 11

Which event is the most common cause of a stroke?

Accepted Answer

A)  Lack of glucose 
B)  Ischemia from an obstruction of an artery 
C)  Hemorrhage of an artery 
D)  Blow to the head

Question 12

Research on laboratory animals indicates that cannabinoids are most effective if taken ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  as soon as the stroke occurs 
B)  within 20 minutes of the stroke 
C)  steadily for one month 
D)  shortly before the stroke

Question 13

Breeding some animals selectively because they possess some desirable characteristic is called ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  evolution 
B)  natural selection 
C)  artificial selection 
D)  artificial insemination

Question 14

The formation of new synapses is called ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  synaptogenesis 
B)  differentiation 
C)  migration 
D)  fusion

Question 15

Chemicals in the amphibian tectum guide the growth of axons from the retina to their correct location in the tectum by ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  having dozens of different growth factors 
B)  using an electrical gradient 
C)  using a chemical gradient 
D)  glial cell transportation

Question 16

Apoptosis is distinct from necrosis, which is death caused by an injury or a toxic substance.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

Why is a genetic explanation for altruism problematic?

Accepted Answer

A)  Only non-human animals exhibit altruistic behaviors. 
B)  Altruistic behaviors rarely benefit the individual performing them. 
C)  Altruism is more common among the young than among adults. 
D)  No behavior has been linked to any genes.

Question 18

Immature neurons experimentally transplanted from one part of the developing cortex to another ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  develop the properties characteristic of their new location 
B)  maintain the properties of their original location 
C)  become dysfunctional, with properties of both the original and new locations 
D)  die

Question 19

Which factor appears to be particularly important for branching of neurons during brain development?

Accepted Answer

A)  Engaging in physical activity 
B)  Playing logic games 
C)  Having good teachers 
D)  Having a sterile environment

Question 20

Which of the following best characterizes how axons arrive at the correct target cells?

Accepted Answer

A)  They follow electrical gradients. 
B)  They follow chemical gradients from the target cell. 
C)  Axons send out chemicals to the target cells. 
D)  Target cells send out branches for the axons to follow.

Exam 4: Genetics, Evolution, Development, and Plasticity