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Behave by Robert Sapolsky
Contributed by: Burton
  • 1. In 'Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst', author Robert Sapolsky explores the complex interplay between biological and environmental factors that shape human behavior. With a captivating blend of neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and sociology, Sapolsky delves into the myriad influences—from hormones to culture—that dictate our actions in various contexts. He examines crucial moments that drive human behavior, such as the role of the brain in decision-making, the impact of stress on confrontational situations, and the evolutionary pressures that have shaped our social structures. Throughout the book, Sapolsky invites readers to consider the moral and ethical implications of understanding behavior as a product of biological systems while also addressing the importance of personal agency, free will, and societal context. By weaving together anecdotes, scientific research, and philosophical inquiries, 'Behave' presents a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of what it means to be human, ultimately challenging us to reflect on our actions and their far-reaching consequences.

    What is the central argument of Robert Sapolsky's book 'Behave'?
A) Free will is the primary driver of all human actions
B) Human behavior is determined solely by genetics
C) Human behavior results from complex biological and environmental interactions
D) Behavior is completely predictable through brain scanning
  • 2. According to Sapolsky, when should we start analyzing a behavior to understand it fully?
A) Seconds to years before the behavior occurs
B) Only at the moment the behavior happens
C) During childhood development only
D) In the evolutionary distant past only
  • 3. What brain region is most associated with impulse control and planning?
A) Prefrontal cortex
B) Cerebellum
C) Hippocampus
D) Amygdala
  • 4. Which hormone is most associated with stress responses?
A) Oxytocin
B) Serotonin
C) Dopamine
D) Cortisol
  • 5. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with reward and pleasure?
A) Dopamine
B) Glutamate
C) GABA
D) Serotonin
  • 6. According to Sapolsky, what significantly influences adolescent risk-taking behavior?
A) Higher testosterone levels only
B) Prefrontal cortex not fully developed
C) Lack of moral education
D) Peer pressure exclusively
  • 7. What is neuroplasticity?
A) The rigidity of neural pathways
B) The study of brain anatomy
C) The speed of neural transmission
D) The brain's ability to change throughout life
  • 8. What role does the anterior cingulate cortex play?
A) Conflict monitoring and error detection
B) Balance and coordination
C) Visual processing
D) Hearing and auditory processing
  • 9. What does mirror neuron research suggest?
A) Neurons reflect light in the brain
B) Neurons fire when observing others' actions
C) Neurons mirror genetic code
D) Neurons only fire during personal actions
  • 10. How does stress affect decision-making according to Sapolsky?
A) Only affects emotional decisions
B) Has no effect on decision-making
C) Improves logical reasoning
D) Impairs prefrontal cortex function
  • 11. What is the role of oxytocin in social behavior?
A) Regulates sleep cycles
B) Causes aggression and competition
C) Promotes social bonding and trust
D) Controls hunger and thirst
  • 12. Which brain structure is crucial for memory formation?
A) Thalamus
B) Amygdala
C) Hippocampus
D) Cerebellum
  • 13. What is the significance of the frontal lobe in moral reasoning?
A) Only involved in basic instincts
B) Primarily processes sensory information
C) Critical for complex moral judgments
D) Unimportant for moral decisions
  • 14. What does testosterone primarily influence?
A) Social dominance and status-seeking
B) Intelligence and learning ability
C) Language development
D) Emotional sensitivity
  • 15. How does Sapolsky view the concept of 'evil'?
A) As an oversimplification of complex causes
B) As the opposite of genetic determinism
C) As a real biological category
D) As purely a social construct
  • 16. What is the function of the basal ganglia?
A) Movement control and habit formation
B) Language processing
C) Emotional regulation
D) Visual perception
  • 17. How does poverty affect brain development?
A) Chronic stress impairs cognitive development
B) Only affects emotional intelligence
C) Improves resilience and adaptation
D) Has no effect on brain structure
  • 18. Which part of the nervous system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response?
A) Central nervous system
B) Sympathetic nervous system
C) Somatic nervous system
D) Parasympathetic nervous system
  • 19. Which brain structure is crucial for fear responses?
A) Hypothalamus
B) Amygdala
C) Hippocampus
D) Thalamus
  • 20. What does Sapolsky say about the nature vs. nurture debate?
A) Neither influences behavior
B) Nurture is more important
C) It's a false dichotomy
D) Nature is more important
  • 21. What does Sapolsky say about testosterone's role in aggression?
A) It amplifies pre-existing tendencies
B) It has no effect on behavior
C) It only affects sexual behavior
D) It directly causes aggression
  • 22. According to 'Behave', the frontal cortex maturation completes around age:
A) 30
B) 18
C) 25
D) 16
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