RC: Education - 4 | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) PDF Download

Passage 

Direction: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Learning is the process of acquiring new or modifying existing knowledge, skills, behaviors, or values. Learning involves changes in the structure and function of the brain, which are influenced by various factors, such as genetics, environment, motivation, and emotion. Learning can occur at different levels, from simple associations and habits to complex concepts and skills.
One of the main mechanisms of learning in the brain is synaptic plasticity, which refers to the ability of synapses, the connections between neurons, to strengthen or weaken over time. Synaptic plasticity is based on the principle of Hebbian learning, which states that neurons that fire together wire together. This means that repeated activation of the same neural pathway enhances the efficiency and strength of synaptic transmission, resulting in long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP is considered to be one of the cellular bases of memory and learning.
Another mechanism of learning in the brain is neurogenesis, which refers to the generation of new neurons from neural stem cells. Neurogenesis occurs mainly in two regions of the brain: the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a key structure for learning and memory, especially for spatial and episodic memory. Neurogenesis in the hippocampus is regulated by various factors, such as hormones, stress, exercise, and diet. Neurogenesis is thought to contribute to learning by enhancing synaptic plasticity, increasing neural diversity, and facilitating memory consolidation.
A third mechanism of learning in the brain is metaplasticity, which refers to the plasticity of synaptic plasticity itself. Metaplasticity is the ability of synapses to change their responsiveness to synaptic stimulation based on their previous history of activity. Metaplasticity can modulate the induction and maintenance of LTP and long-term depression (LTD), which is the opposite of LTP. Metaplasticity can also affect the threshold and duration of synaptic plasticity, as well as the interaction between different forms and phases of synaptic plasticity. Metaplasticity is believed to play a role in learning by optimizing the balance between stability and flexibility of synaptic connections, as well as preventing over- or under-learning.
Q1: According to the passage, what is one of the factors that can influence neurogenesis in the hippocampus?
(a) Genetics
(b) Environment
(c) Exercise
(d) Emotion

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Q2: According to the passage, what is one of the levels of learning that involves simple associations and habits?
(a) Cognitive
(b) Emotional
(c) Social
(d) Physical

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Q3: According to the passage, what is one of the structures in the brain that is key for learning and memory, especially for spatial and episodic memory?
(a) Subventricular zone (SVZ)
(b) Subgranular zone (SGZ)
(c) Hippocampus
(d) Synapse

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Q4: According to the passage, what is one of the factors that influences synaptic plasticity in the brain?
(a) Genetics
(b) Environment
(c) Motivation
(d) Emotion

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