Genetics and Behavior Quiz

What is epigenetics primarily concerned with?

• The study of gene structure

• How environmental factors influence gene expression

• The inheritance of specific genes

• The comparison of DNA sequences

Monozygotic (MZ) twins share what percentage of their genes?

• Approximately 50%

• Approximately 75%

• 100%

• 0%

A concordance rate of 1.0 for a behavior in MZ twins would suggest that:

• The behavior is entirely caused by environmental factors.

• If one twin has the behavior, the other twin also always has it.

• The behavior is equally influenced by genes and environment.

• The behavior is not influenced by genetics at all.

Why are twin studies useful in investigating the influence of genetics on behavior?

• Because twins always share the exact same environment.

• Because they can directly identify the specific genes responsible for a behavior.

• Because higher concordance rates in MZ twins compared to DZ twins suggest a genetic influence.

• Because they eliminate the need to study families.

According to the sources, concordance rates for behaviors in MZ twins are rarely 100% because:

• MZ twins do not always have identical genes.

• Environmental factors impact what genes are expressed.

• Research methodologies are always flawed.

• DZ twins often have more similar environments.

Which of the following is a limitation of twin studies in determining the influence of genes and environment?

• They typically use small sample sizes.

• They rarely produce consistent results.

• It's hard to differentiate the influence of the environment and the influence of genes.

• They are reductionist and ignore biological factors.

The MAOA gene is sometimes referred to as the:

• Happiness gene

• Memory gene

• Warrior gene

• Intelligence gene

The MAOA enzyme plays a role in:

• Producing hormones

• Controlling muscle movement

• Breaking down neurotransmitters in the synapse

• Regulating blood sugar levels

Individuals with the MAOA-L variant may show greater activity in which brain region when viewing angry faces?

• Prefrontal cortex

• Hippocampus

• Amygdala

• Cerebellum

The Dunedin Study by Caspi et al. (2002) highlighted the interaction between which two factors in predicting antisocial behavior?

• Diet and exercise

• Sleep patterns and genetics

• A variation of the MAOA gene and childhood maltreatment

• Peer influence and socioeconomic status