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