Important Questions: The Bases of Human Behaviour | Psychology for Grade 11 PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is natural selection?
Ans: The natural process by which organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Q2: What is the role of dendrites in a neuron?
Ans: To receive information from other neurons or sense organs

Q3: How do neurons transmit information to other neurons or muscles?
Ans: Through axons and terminal buttons.

Q4: What is the "all or none principle" in relation to neurons?
Ans: Neurons either respond fully or not at all to stimuli.

Q5: What is the junction between two neurons called?
Ans: A synapse.

Q6: Name three structures of the hindbrain.
Ans: Medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum.

Q7: Which part of the brain connects the forebrain and hindbrain and is responsible for making us active and selecting information from the environment?
Ans: Midbrain.

Q8: What is the primary function of the hypothalamus in the brain?
Ans: Regulating various physiological processes and controlling the internal environment of the body.

Q9: How many pairs of chromosomes do humans have?
Ans: Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Q10: What is the process through which individuals develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to participate effectively as members of a group and society?
Ans: Socialization.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q11: Explain the concept of natural selection and its role in evolution.
Ans: Natural selection is the natural process by which organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, while those with unfavorable traits are less likely to do so. Over time, this leads to the gradual and systematic biological transformation of a species as the environment selects for specific traits that enhance an organism's chances of survival and reproduction. Biologists believe that species have undergone an evolutionary process from their original forms to their present state due to natural selection. It is driven by the changing adaptive requirements of the environment.

Q12: Describe the biological basis of human behavior, focusing on neurons and their components.
Ans: Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system and play a crucial role in transmitting information in the form of electrochemical signals. They consist of the soma (cell body), dendrites (receiving ends), and axon (longer single branched extension). The soma contains the nucleus and most of the cytoplasm. Dendrites receive neural impulses from adjacent neurons or sense organs. Axons transmit information to other neurons or muscles. Terminal buttons at the end of axons transmit information to other neurons, glands, and muscles. Nerve impulses are electrical signals used for transmission. Synapses are junctions between neurons where synaptic transmission occurs.

Q13: Explain the functions of the hindbrain structures: medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum.
Ans:

• Medulla oblongata: Located at the base of the brainstem, it regulates essential life-supporting and autonomic functions, such as breathing and heart rate.
• Pons: Connects the medulla and midbrain, involved in receiving auditory signals, affecting respiratory movements, and controlling facial expressions.
• Cerebellum: Responsible for maintaining posture, balance, and coordinating muscular movements. It also stores memory of movements.

Q14: Describe the major regions of the brain, including the hypothalamus, thalamus, limbic system, and cerebrum.
Ans:

• Hypothalamus: Regulates physiological processes and controls the body's internal environment, including hormone secretion.
• Thalamus: Serves as a relay center for sensory signals between sense organs and the cortexes.
• Limbic system: Composed of structures like the hippocampus (for long-term memory) and amygdala (involved in emotional behavior) and helps maintain internal homeostasis.
• Cerebrum (cerebral cortex): Regulates higher cognitive skills, consists of four lobes with distinct functions (frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital).

Q15: Explain the role of culture in human behavior and provide examples of cultural elements.
Ans: Culture encompasses man-made elements of the environment, including material objects, ideas, values, language, and approaches. It shapes human behavior by providing a framework for how individuals interact with their surroundings and with each other. For example, language is a cultural element that influences communication, and cultural values can impact social norms and behavior within a society.

Q16: Define socialization and discuss its key features and agents.
Ans: Socialization is the process through which individuals develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to participate effectively as members of a group and society. Key features include the transmission of social and cultural values, the use of rewards and punishments, intentional teaching, and involvement of various agents such as parents, schools, peer groups, and the media.

Q17: What is acculturation, and what are the two key issues individuals face during the acculturation process?
Ans: Acculturation refers to the cultural and psychological transformations that occur when individuals come into contact with other cultures. The two key issues individuals face during acculturation are:

• The extent to which they wish to preserve their own culture.
• The level of desire for daily interaction with members of other cultural groups.

Q18: Explain the concept of genes and how they influence behavior.
Ans: Genes are hereditary elements that influence an organism's development and behavior. They are passed down from parents to offspring and carry the genetic code that determines an individual's traits. While genes play a significant role in behavior, environmental factors can also impact an individual's phenotype, which is the observable expression of their genotype.

Q19: Discuss the role of hormones in the endocrine system and how they transmit messages to the body.
Ans: Hormones are chemicals produced by glands in the endocrine system and are released into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions, including development and behavior. Hormones transmit messages by traveling through the blood to target organs, skin, muscles, and tissues, instructing them when and how to perform specific actions.

Q20: Explain the relationship between cultural elements and the process of socialization.
Ans: Cultural elements, including values, language, and behavioral norms, are transmitted through the process of socialization. Individuals learn and internalize these cultural elements as they develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function effectively within their society. Socialization serves as a bridge between culture and individual behavior, shaping how people interact with and adapt to their cultural environment.