Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of heritability in behavioral genetics?

Accepted Answer

The proportion of variation in a trait within a population that can be attributed to genetic differences.

Question 2

In a twin study, the heritability of depression is found to be $$h^2 = 0.76$ for identical twins and h^2$ = 0.48$$ for fraternal twins. What does this suggest about the genetic contribution to depression?

Accepted Answer

Genetic factors play a significant role in depression, as shown by the higher heritability in identical twins.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of epigenetics?

Accepted Answer

Environmental stress causing changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

Question 4

Which statement about monozygotic and dizygotic twins is correct?

Accepted Answer

Monozygotic twins share 100% of their genes, while dizygotic twins share about 50%.

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the principle of natural selection as described by Darwin?

Accepted Answer

Traits that increase an organism's reproductive success become more common in a population over generations.

Question 6

A researcher is studying the effect of a neurotransmitter on mood. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with mood regulation and is often targeted by antidepressant medications?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin ($$5-HT)$$

Question 7

Which cell type in the nervous system is primarily responsible for forming myelin in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 8

During an action potential, which ion rapidly enters the neuron, causing depolarization?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ($$Na^+)$$

Question 9

Which neurotransmitter is most directly involved in the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine (A)

Question 10

A patient with Parkinson's disease is most likely to have a deficiency in which neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine (DA)

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Question 12

If a mutation occurs in a gene that codes for a neurotransmitter receptor, which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Altered neuronal communication, potentially affecting behavior or cognition.

Question 13

Which neurotransmitter is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate (GLU)

Question 14

A researcher finds that a certain behavioral trait has a heritability estimate of $$h^2 = 0.60$. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

60% of the variation in the trait within the population is due to genetic differences.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why identical twins are often used in behavioral genetics research?

Accepted Answer

They share 100% of their genes, allowing researchers to isolate environmental effects.

Question 16

Which neurotransmitter is most associated with inhibitory effects in the brain?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 17

A person is exposed to chronic stress, which leads to changes in gene expression related to anxiety. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic modification

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of acetylcholine (ACh) in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It is involved in muscle contraction and memory.

Question 19

If a population experiences a change in the frequency of a gene due to a new environmental pressure, which evolutionary process is occurring?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of microglia in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They act as immune cells, removing debris and pathogens from the brain.

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

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