R02_MORE EXPERIENCE=BIGGER BRAIN by Rosenzweig & Diamond (1972)

Question 1

Which brain enzyme allows for faster and more efficient transmission of impulses among brain cells?

Answer 1

Acetylcholinesterase.

This was the brain enzyme of particular interest in this experiment.

Question 2

Which part of the brain responds to experience and is responsible for movement, memory, learning and sensory input?

Answer 2

The cerebral cortex.

Question 3

TRUE OR FALSE: Greater activity of the nervous system enzyme acetylcholinesterase was found in the brain tissue of the rats with the enriched experience.

Answer 3

TRUE.

Question 4

TRUE OR FALSE: The enriched environment produced larger neurons in rats.

Answer 4

TRUE.

There was no significant difference, however, between the numbers of the two groups.

Question 5

FILL IN THE BLANKS:

The measurement of the ratio of the _____ (brain part) was the most accurate measurement of brain changes, because the overall weight of the brain may vary with the overall weight of each animal.”

Answer 5

cortex

Question 6

“The researchers found that the synapses of the enriched rats’ brains were 50% larger than those of the impoverished rats, potentially allowing for increased brain activity.”

Answer 6

:-bd

Question 7

“Research has demonstrated that learning itself is enhanced by enriched environmental experiences and that even the brain of adult animals raised in impoverished conditions can be improved when placed in an enriched environment.”

Answer 7

:-bd

Question 8

Be warned, “Brain research is being misappropriated to the service of misguided ‘quick fix’ solutions to more complicated, systemic issues.”

Answer 8

:-bd