PSYC 387 Final Prep Athabasca University Exam Expected Questions and Answers

PSYC 387 Final Prep Athabasca University Exam Expected Questions and Answers Who originally said that change is the only constant? - ANSWER-Roman philosopher Lucretius 2,000 years ago When was Darwins Origin of Species written? - ANSWER-1859 Describe Darwin's theory of natural selection. - ANSWER-There is, he argued, tremendous variation among the members of any given species. Some of these variations are well suited to current conditions; others are not. Individuals with favorable variations are more likely to survive and reproduce, so succeeding generations are more likely to show helpful characteristics. Thus, features that contribute to survival are "selected" by the environment, a process Darwin called natural selection. Was Darwin aware of the genetic basis for evolution by natural selection? - ANSWER-no Who was the first person to understand the role of genetics? - ANSWER-Gregor Mendel (father of genetics) published his work in 1866. Copyright © KAYLIN 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FIRST PUBLISH NOVEMBER, 2024 Copyright © Stuvia International BV Page 2/52 Although Darwin did not understand the genetic basis for evolution, he was aware that _____ (2 things) - ANSWER-variation within a species was common selective breeding of farm animals with a specific variation often resulted in offspring with that characteristic. What did Dawkin's pebbly beach analogy illustrate about natural selection? - ANSWER-pebbles arrange themselves based on the flow of water and density and size of the rocks. Intelligent direction isn't required. The environment "selects" desirable characteristics and spurns undesirable ones. What are mutations? - ANSWER-Abrupt changes in genes. What can cause a mutation? - ANSWER-Can be caused by exposure to radiation and certain chemicals and perhaps by viral infections. In what case will mutation be passed on to the next generation? - ANSWER-when mutations occur in genes of reproductive cells (sperm or ova) Can mutations occur in any cell of the body? - ANSWER-yes Will offspring with mutated genes necessarily display the mutation? - ANSWER-no Copyright © KAYLIN 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FIRST PUBLISH NOVEMBER, 2024 Copyright © Stuvia International BV Page 3/52 Are mutations always detrimental to survival? - ANSWER-Many of these changes are simply of no consequence, one way or the other Occasionally can be useful to survival. (new horn mutation useful for defense) What is a reflex? - ANSWER-A reflex is a relationship between a specific event and a simple response to that event. A reflex is a relationship between certain kinds of events. Give an example of a reflex. - ANSWER-Food in the mouth elicits the salivary reflex, the flow of saliva that begins the process of digestion. What is reflex failure? When can it occur? - ANSWER-Reflex failure is when a reflex fails to function properly. This can happen as a result of: -allergic reaction to medication -injury or disease. -excessive alcohol or other drugs that depress the central nervous system. Reflexes are highly ___________ - ANSWER-stereotypic Copyright © KAYLIN 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FIRST PUBLISH NOVEMBER, 2024 Copyright © Stuvia International BV Page 4/52 that is, they are remarkably consistent in form, frequency, strength, and time of appearance during development. What is sensitization? Give an example. - ANSWER-Eliciting a reflex response can increase the intensity or probability of the response to stimuli. Hearing a loud noise that makes you jump can make you more sensitive to noises that arent as loud. What happened when Kelly Powell and Stephen Holtzman (2001) gave rats morphine for one to four days and then tested their reaction to the drug after a period of abstinence? - ANSWER-The rats showed an increased response to morphine (i.e., sensitization) for up to three months after their last dose. What is habituation? Give an example. - ANSWER-Repeatedly evoking a given reflex response will result in a reduction in the intensity or probability of the response. Cats slowly become used to a loud noise when exposed to it multiple times. Define a FAP. Give an example. - ANSWER-A series of interrelated acts found in all or nearly all members of a species. Copyright © KAYLIN 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FIRST PUBLISH NOVEMBER, 2024 Copyright © Stuvia International BV Page 5/52 When confronted by a threatening dog, the house cat arches its back, hisses, growls, and flicks its tail. These acts make the cat appear larger and more formidable than it really is and may therefore serve to put off an attacker. What were FAP called in the past? - ANSWER-Instincts What is a releaser? - ANSWER-An event that triggers a fixed action pattern. red is a releaser for the stickleback fish. What did Wilson claim were humans FAP? - ANSWER-Biophelia and aversion to incest Define a general behavior trait. - ANSWER-Include activity level, aggression, introversion, anxiety, hoarding (of food, for example), and sexual practices, among others. Some behavior traits are strongly influenced by genes. How do FAPs and behavior traits differ? - ANSWER-FAP are elicited by fairly specific events (releasers). Behavior traits occur in a wide variety of situations. Do behavior traits have a genetic influence? - ANSWER-yes even though they are more variable. Dog like traits in foxes were bred through a number of generations. Define learning. - ANSWER-Learning is a change in b