BAPSY Biological Basis of Behavior 3

Question 1

Which part of the neuron integrates incoming signals and initiates the action potential?

Accepted Answer

Axon hillock

Answer

The axon hillock sums excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials and fires an action potential when the threshold is reached.

Question 2

Heritability estimates in behavioral genetics reflect:

Accepted Answer

The proportion of population variance in a trait attributable to genetic differences

Answer

Heritability is a population statistic indicating what proportion of trait variability in a specific population is due to genetic variation.

Question 3

The reticular activating system (RAS) in the brainstem plays a key role in regulating:

Accepted Answer

Arousal and states of consciousness

Answer

The RAS modulates arousal, wakefulness, and attention by sending diffuse activating signals to the cortex.

Question 4

Which hormones are released by the adrenal medulla during acute stress?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Answer

The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine in response to acute stress via sympathetic nervous system activation.

Question 5

In the context of genetics, a phenotype that appears only when two copies of a recessive allele are present is called:

Accepted Answer

Autosomal recessive

Answer

Autosomal recessive traits require homozygous recessive genotype (two copies of the recessive allele) to be expressed phenotypically.

BAPSY - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Practice Test