🧠 Biological Bases of Behavior (201–250)– Psychology Batch 3
Are you preparing for Psychology exams such as AP Psychology, GRE Psychology, A-levels, or competitive tests worldwide? This post covers Biological Bases of Behavior MCQs with detailed answers and explanations. You’ll learn about neurons, neurotransmitters, brain regions, nervous system functions, and hormones in an easy-to-practice format. These questions are carefully structured to help both international students and competitive exam aspirants.
201. The basic unit of the nervous system is called:
(A) Dendrite
(B) Axon
(C) Neuron
(D) Synapse
✅ Correct Answer: C. Neuron
Explanation: Neurons are the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.
202. The gap between two neurons where communication occurs is called:
(A) Axon terminal
(B) Synapse
(C) Soma
(D) Myelin sheath
✅ Correct Answer: B. Synapse
Explanation: The synapse is the small gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another, where neurotransmitters are released.
203. Which part of the neuron receives incoming messages from other neurons?
(A) Axon
(B) Myelin sheath
(C) Dendrites
(D) Synaptic vesicles
✅ Correct Answer: C. Dendrites
Explanation: Dendrites are branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons and pass them toward the cell body.
204. The fatty layer that speeds up transmission of neural impulses is called:
(A) Myelin sheath
(B) Synaptic cleft
(C) Nucleus
(D) Glial cell
✅ Correct Answer: A. Myelin sheath
Explanation: The myelin sheath insulates the axon, allowing electrical signals to travel more quickly and efficiently.
205. The brain structure responsible for balance and coordination is:
(A) Hippocampus
(B) Cerebellum
(C) Medulla
(D) Amygdala
✅ Correct Answer: B. Cerebellum
Explanation: The cerebellum controls fine motor skills, posture, balance, and coordination of voluntary movements.
206. Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for decision-making and problem-solving?
(A) Frontal lobe
(B) Parietal lobe
(C) Occipital lobe
(D) Temporal lobe
✅ Correct Answer: A. Frontal lobe
Explanation: The frontal lobe is involved in executive functions such as reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and controlling behavior.
207. The occipital lobe of the brain processes:
(A) Hearing
(B) Vision
(C) Taste
(D) Touch
✅ Correct Answer: B. Vision
Explanation: The occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain, processes visual information received from the eyes.
208. The limbic system is mainly responsible for:
(A) Emotions and memory
(B) Movement control
(C) Breathing and heartbeat
(D) Language processing
✅ Correct Answer: A. Emotions and memory
Explanation: The limbic system includes the hippocampus and amygdala, which regulate emotions, motivation, and memory.
209. The “fight or flight” response is triggered by which system?
(A) Parasympathetic nervous system
(B) Sympathetic nervous system
(C) Somatic nervous system
(D) Central nervous system
✅ Correct Answer: B. Sympathetic nervous system
Explanation: The sympathetic nervous system activates during stressful situations, increasing heart rate, respiration, and alertness.
210. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with mood regulation and depression?
(A) Dopamine
(B) Serotonin
(C) Acetylcholine
(D) GABA
✅ Correct Answer: B. Serotonin
Explanation: Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and mood disorders, while balanced serotonin supports emotional well-being.
211. Which neurotransmitter is involved in reward, pleasure, and addiction?
(A) Dopamine
(B) Serotonin
(C) GABA
(D) Endorphins
✅ Correct Answer: A. Dopamine
Explanation: Dopamine regulates pleasure, reward, motivation, and addiction pathways in the brain.
212. The “master gland” of the endocrine system is:
(A) Adrenal gland
(B) Pituitary gland
(C) Thyroid gland
(D) Pineal gland
✅ Correct Answer: B. Pituitary gland
Explanation: The pituitary gland controls hormone secretion and regulates other glands in the endocrine system.
213. Which part of the brain is crucial for forming new memories?
(A) Amygdala
(B) Hippocampus
(C) Thalamus
(D) Cerebellum
✅ Correct Answer: B. Hippocampus
Explanation: The hippocampus, part of the limbic system, plays a major role in memory formation and learning.
214. The brain’s left hemisphere is generally specialized in:
(A) Language and logic
(B) Creativity and art
(C) Emotions
(D) Spatial skills
✅ Correct Answer: A. Language and logic
Explanation: The left hemisphere typically manages language, logic, and analytical tasks, while the right hemisphere handles creativity and spatial awareness.
215. The chemical messengers released into the synaptic gap are called:
(A) Neurons
(B) Hormones
(C) Neurotransmitters
(D) Dendrites
✅ Correct Answer: C. Neurotransmitters
Explanation: Neurotransmitters are released from axon terminals to transmit signals across synapses.
216. Damage to Broca’s area results in difficulty with:
(A) Understanding speech
(B) Producing speech
(C) Memory
(D) Hearing
✅ Correct Answer: B. Producing speech
Explanation: Broca’s area, in the frontal lobe, controls speech production. Damage leads to expressive aphasia.
217. Damage to Wernicke’s area results in difficulty with:
(A) Producing speech
(B) Understanding speech
(C) Vision
(D) Balance
✅ Correct Answer: B. Understanding speech
Explanation: Wernicke’s area, in the temporal lobe, controls language comprehension.
218. Which part of the brain controls vital functions like breathing and heartbeat?
(A) Cerebellum
(B) Medulla oblongata
(C) Pons
(D) Thalamus
✅ Correct Answer: B. Medulla oblongata
Explanation: The medulla regulates autonomic functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing.
219. The reticular formation is mainly responsible for:
(A) Sleep and arousal
(B) Hunger
(C) Emotions
(D) Memory storage
✅ Correct Answer: A. Sleep and arousal
Explanation: The reticular formation regulates alertness, arousal, and sleep-wake cycles.
220. Endorphins are best known for their role in:
(A) Digestion
(B) Pain relief and pleasure
(C) Memory
(D) Vision
✅ Correct Answer: B. Pain relief and pleasure
Explanation: Endorphins are natural painkillers released during stress and exercise, creating feelings of euphoria.
221. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
(A) Preparing the body for stress
(B) Fight-or-flight response
(C) Rest and digestion
(D) Memory consolidation
✅ Correct Answer: C. Rest and digestion
Explanation: The parasympathetic system restores the body to a relaxed state after stress.
222. The corpus callosum connects:
(A) Brain and spinal cord
(B) Left and right hemispheres of the brain
(C) Frontal and occipital lobes
(D) Amygdala and hippocampus
✅ Correct Answer: B. Left and right hemispheres of the brain
Explanation: The corpus callosum is a thick band of fibers that allows communication between the two hemispheres.
223. Which brain imaging technique measures brain activity using blood flow?
(A) EEG
(B) MRI
(C) fMRI
(D) CT scan
✅ Correct Answer: C. fMRI
Explanation: Functional MRI (fMRI) measures blood flow changes in the brain to detect neural activity.
224. Which technique records electrical activity of the brain?
(A) PET scan
(B) EEG
(C) MRI
(D) fMRI
✅ Correct Answer: B. EEG
Explanation: Electroencephalography (EEG) measures brain waves through electrodes on the scalp.
225. Which neurotransmitter is linked with Alzheimer’s disease?
(A) Dopamine
(B) Acetylcholine
(C) GABA
(D) Serotonin
✅ Correct Answer: B. Acetylcholine
Explanation: A shortage of acetylcholine is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and memory deficits.
226. The thalamus primarily functions as:
(A) A relay station for sensory information
(B) Balance control
(C) Emotion regulation
(D) Hormone production
✅ Correct Answer: A. A relay station for sensory information
Explanation: The thalamus acts as a relay hub, directing sensory signals to appropriate brain regions.
227. Which brain region controls hunger and thirst?
(A) Hypothalamus
(B) Amygdala
(C) Cerebellum
(D) Hippocampus
✅ Correct Answer: A. Hypothalamus
Explanation: The hypothalamus regulates hunger, thirst, body temperature, and homeostasis.
228. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps with:
(A) Excitement and arousal
(B) Calmness and relaxation
(C) Pain relief
(D) Memory formation
✅ Correct Answer: B. Calmness and relaxation
Explanation: GABA reduces neural excitability, promoting relaxation and preventing overstimulation.
229. Which brain structure is linked with fear and aggression?
(A) Hippocampus
(B) Amygdala
(C) Cerebellum
(D) Pons
✅ Correct Answer: B. Amygdala
Explanation: The amygdala processes emotions such as fear, aggression, and anxiety.
230. Which hemisphere is more dominant in spatial and creative tasks?
(A) Left hemisphere
(B) Right hemisphere
(C) Both equally
(D) None of these
✅ Correct Answer: B. Right hemisphere
Explanation: The right hemisphere is associated with creativity, imagination, and spatial awareness.
231. Which brain structure regulates circadian rhythms (biological clock)?
(A) Pineal gland
(B) Pituitary gland
(C) Hypothalamus
(D) Amygdala
✅ Correct Answer: A. Pineal gland
Explanation: The pineal gland releases melatonin, regulating sleep-wake cycles.
232. The somatic nervous system controls:
(A) Involuntary functions
(B) Voluntary muscle movements
(C) Emotions
(D) Hormone release
✅ Correct Answer: B. Voluntary muscle movements
Explanation: The somatic system manages voluntary skeletal muscle movements.
233. Which neurotransmitter is linked with schizophrenia?
(A) Dopamine
(B) Serotonin
(C) Acetylcholine
(D) GABA
✅ Correct Answer: A. Dopamine
Explanation: Excess dopamine activity is associated with schizophrenia symptoms.
234. Which brain imaging technique uses radioactive glucose to show brain activity?
(A) MRI
(B) PET scan
(C) EEG
(D) fMRI
✅ Correct Answer: B. PET scan
Explanation: PET scans measure glucose metabolism in the brain, showing active areas.
235. Which part of the neuron transmits signals to other neurons?
(A) Axon
(B) Dendrite
(C) Soma
(D) Synapse
✅ Correct Answer: A. Axon
Explanation: Axons carry electrical impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons.
236. Which system controls glands and internal organs automatically?
(A) Somatic nervous system
(B) Autonomic nervous system
(C) Central nervous system
(D) Endocrine system
✅ Correct Answer: B. Autonomic nervous system
Explanation: The autonomic system regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.
237. Which hormone is linked with stress response?
(A) Melatonin
(B) Cortisol
(C) Insulin
(D) Testosterone
✅ Correct Answer: B. Cortisol
Explanation: Cortisol, secreted by adrenal glands, is the main stress hormone.
238. Which brain part acts as the “switchboard” for sensory information (except smell)?
(A) Hippocampus
(B) Thalamus
(C) Amygdala
(D) Medulla
✅ Correct Answer: B. Thalamus
Explanation: The thalamus relays most sensory inputs to higher brain regions.
239. Which neurotransmitter regulates motor control and is linked to Parkinson’s disease?
(A) Dopamine
(B) Serotonin
(C) Acetylcholine
(D) Endorphins
✅ Correct Answer: A. Dopamine
Explanation: Dopamine deficiency in the substantia nigra causes motor problems in Parkinson’s patients.
240. The bundle of nerves that carries information between brain and body is:
(A) Spinal cord
(B) Corpus callosum
(C) Medulla
(D) Hypothalamus
✅ Correct Answer: A. Spinal cord
Explanation: The spinal cord connects the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system.
241. Which brain structure regulates breathing rhythm along with the medulla?
(A) Pons
(B) Cerebellum
(C) Thalamus
(D) Hippocampus
✅ Correct Answer: A. Pons
Explanation: The pons helps regulate breathing and communication between brain regions.
242. The brain’s reward system is primarily located in the:
(A) Limbic system
(B) Parietal lobe
(C) Frontal lobe
(D) Cerebellum
✅ Correct Answer: A. Limbic system
Explanation: The limbic system, especially the nucleus accumbens, regulates pleasure and reward.
243. Which neurotransmitter plays a key role in learning and memory?
(A) Dopamine
(B) Acetylcholine
(C) Serotonin
(D) Endorphins
✅ Correct Answer: B. Acetylcholine
Explanation: Acetylcholine supports memory formation and learning processes.
244. The spinal cord is part of which nervous system?
(A) Central nervous system
(B) Peripheral nervous system
(C) Somatic nervous system
(D) Autonomic nervous system
✅ Correct Answer: A. Central nervous system
Explanation: The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
245. Which system prepares the body for emergencies?
(A) Parasympathetic
(B) Sympathetic
(C) Somatic
(D) Endocrine
✅ Correct Answer: B. Sympathetic
Explanation: The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response.
246. The ability of the brain to reorganize after injury is called:
(A) Plasticity
(B) Adaptability
(C) Regeneration
(D) Synaptic pruning
✅ Correct Answer: A. Plasticity
Explanation: Neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new connections after damage or learning.
247. Which part of the brain develops last during adolescence?
(A) Occipital lobe
(B) Frontal lobe
(C) Temporal lobe
(D) Cerebellum
✅ Correct Answer: B. Frontal lobe
Explanation: The frontal lobe, especially the prefrontal cortex, matures last, affecting decision-making and self-control.
248. Which brain imaging technique gives detailed structural images of the brain?
(A) MRI
(B) EEG
(C) PET scan
(D) fMRI
✅ Correct Answer: A. MRI
Explanation: MRI provides high-resolution structural images of brain anatomy.
249. The junction where an axon terminal meets a muscle fiber is called:
(A) Synapse
(B) Neuromuscular junction
(C) Myelin gap
(D) Reflex arc
✅ Correct Answer: B. Neuromuscular junction
Explanation: This junction allows motor neurons to communicate with muscles, causing contraction.
250. Which part of the brain is most linked to fear learning and emotional memory?
(A) Hippocampus
(B) Amygdala
(C) Thalamus
(D) Cerebellum
✅ Correct Answer: B. Amygdala
Explanation: The amygdala helps store emotional memories, particularly fear-based learning.
The Biological Bases of Behavior is one of the most tested areas in psychology exams. By practicing these MCQs with explanations, you’ll strengthen your knowledge of brain functions, neurotransmitters, and nervous system processes. Keep exploring our complete series of Psychology MCQs covering topics from research methods, cognition, sensation, perception, and abnormal psychology to prepare comprehensively.
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