Topic 1: Origins of Brain and Behaviour

Question 1

Brain

Answer 1

Tissue found within the skull

Question 2

Cerebral cortex

Answer 2

Heavily folded outer layer of the brain tissue

Question 3

Central nervous system (CNS)

Answer 3

Brain & spinal cord

Question 4

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Answer 4

All the processes that take place beyond the brain & spinal cord

Question 5

Neurons

Answer 5

Cells in the nervous system

Question 6

Sensory neuron

Answer 6

Carries incoming info from sensory receptors into the spinal cord and brain

Question 7

Motor neuron

Answer 7

Carries information from the spinal cord & brain to make muscles contract

Question 8

2 types of behaviour

Answer 8

1. Innate behaviour

2. Learned behaviour

Question 9

Innate behaviour

Answer 9

Behaviour that is present when we are born

Fixed ways of responding

Question 10

Learned behaviour

Answer 10

Behaviour that is learned through external forces

Flexible ways of responding

Question 11

Simpler, smaller nervous system

Answer 11

Narrow range of behaviour (hereditary)

Question 12

Complex nervous system

Answer 12

Wider range of behaviour (learning)

Question 13

Historical perspectives on brain & behaviour

Answer 13

Mentalism, dualism, materialism

Question 14

Mentalism

Answer 14

The explanation of behaviour as a function of the nonmaterial mind (psyche/soul = mind)

Question 15

Psyche

Answer 15

Responsible for all consciousness, perception, emotions, desires, memories, etc.

Question 16

Dualism

Answer 16

Both a nonmaterial mind and a material body contribute to behaviour

Mind + body = behaviour

Question 17

Materialism

Answer 17

Behaviour can be explained as function of the brain and nervous system alone

Nervous system + Brain = Behaviour

Question 18

Evolution of brains and behaviour

Answer 18

Neurons and muscles -> Nerve net -> Bilateral symmetry -> Segmentation -> Ganglia -> Spinal cord -> True brain

Question 19

Neurons & muscles

Answer 19

Brain cells and muscles evolved first, allowing animals to move

Question 20

Nerve net

Answer 20

Simple nervous system, no spinal cord/ brain

Consists of neurons that receive sensory information and connect directly to neurons that move the muscles

Ex. Sea anemone

Question 21

Bilateral symmetry

Answer 21

Increased organization, one side mirrors the other

Ex. Flatworms

Question 22

Segmentation

Answer 22

The nervous system has repeating segments

Ex. Vertebrae in humans contain repeating nervous system segments of the spinal cord

Question 23

Ganglia

Answer 23

Cluster of neurons that resemble primitive brains and function

Ex. Clams & nails

Question 24

Spinal cord

Answer 24

A single nervous system pathway connects the brain with sensory receptors and muscles

Question 25

True brain

Answer 25

Specialization/ greater development in areas that are important for that species

Varies according to the behaviour’s level of complexity

Ex. Chordates

Question 26

Characteristics of nervous systems in chordates

Answer 26

1. Bilateral symmetry & segmented
2. Brain + spinal cord encased in cartilage/ bone
3. Crossed organization ( hemisphere receives info from and controls the opposite side of the body)
4. Spinal cord is dorsal to the heart and gut

Question 27

Cerebrum

Answer 27

Cerebral hemispheres, forebrain

Mirror image hemispheres

Responsible for most conscious behaviour

Question 28

Cerebellum

Answer 28

Hindbrain

Major brainstem structure specialized in learning & coordination of movement

Question 29

Principle of proper mass

Answer 29

Species exhibiting more complex behaviours will possess relatively larger brain

(Harry Jerison)

Question 30

Encephalization quotient (EQ)

Answer 30

Relative brain size obtained from the ratio of actual to expected brain size for an animal of a particular body size