Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype is the unique set of genes an individual possesses, while phenotype is the physical and behavioral expression of those genes.

Question 2

In twin studies, what does a heritability estimate of $$h^2 = 0.76$ for depression in three-year-olds indicate?

Accepted Answer

76% of the variation in depression among three-year-olds is due to genetic differences.

Question 3

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of natural selection as described by Darwin?

Accepted Answer

A population of birds develops longer beaks over generations because those with longer beaks can access food more easily.

Question 4

What is the primary function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Providing support, protection, and insulation for neurons.

Question 5

During the resting membrane potential, which ions are more concentrated inside the neuron?

Accepted Answer

K$$^+$$ ions

Question 6

Which of the following best explains the role of the threshold in action potential generation?

Accepted Answer

It is the minimum membrane potential required to trigger an action potential, typically around $$-55	ext{mV}.$$

Question 7

In adoption studies, which finding would support the influence of nurture over nature?

Accepted Answer

Adopted children resemble their adoptive parents in intelligence.

Question 8

Which process occurs at the synapse between two neurons?

Accepted Answer

Chemical transmission via neurotransmitter release.

Question 9

A researcher finds that the heritability of anxiety decreases from $$h^2 = 0.76$ in three-year-olds to h^2$ = 0.48 in $$twelve-year-olds. What is the most plausible explanation?

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors become more influential as children grow older.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of astrocytes (a type of glial cell)?

Accepted Answer

Generating action potentials.

Question 11

If a mutation occurs in a gene that codes for a neurotransmitter receptor, which level of analysis does this best represent?

Accepted Answer

Genotypic analysis.

Question 12

Which equation best represents the change in gene frequency in a population over time due to evolution?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta p = p' - p$$

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world example of gene editing for psychological enhancement?

Accepted Answer

Using CRISPR to modify genes associated with intelligence.

Question 14

What is the main difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins?

Accepted Answer

Monozygotic twins originate from a single fertilized egg, while dizygotic twins originate from two separate eggs fertilized by two sperm.

Question 15

Which step in neuronal communication involves the movement of ions across the axon membrane?

Accepted Answer

Conduction (electrical)

Question 16

A neuron has a resting membrane potential of $$-70	ext{mV}. $$What would happen if the membrane potential suddenly reached $$-55	ext{mV}$$?

Accepted Answer

An action potential would be triggered.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of myelin in neuronal communication?

Accepted Answer

Myelin increases the speed of electrical conduction along the axon.

Question 18

In the context of Darwin's theory, which brain feature distinguishes Homo sapiens from their ancestors?

Accepted Answer

Larger frontal lobe and more convolutions.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why longitudinal studies are valuable in behavioral genetics?

Accepted Answer

They track the same individuals over time, revealing changes in genetic and environmental influences.

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter process is most directly affected by the opening of voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels during an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization of the neuron's membrane.

Biological Psychology I: Genetics, Nervous System Cells, and Neurotransmission

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