Chapter 10.1: Sex and Hormones

Question 1

What does the SRY gene do?

Answer 1

It causes a mammalian embryo to develop into a male

Question 2

Why is it impossible to have both a penis and a clitoris?

Answer 2

Either one develops from the same embryonic structure

Question 3

What is the main difference between organizing effects and activating effects of hormones?

Answer 3

Organizing effects are long-lasting, whereas activating effects are temporary

Question 4

What causes an embryo to develop female external genitals?

Answer 4

A low level of testosterone, regardless of estradiol

Question 5

How does sexual differentiation of the brain differ between rodents and primates?

Answer 5

In rodents, testosterone must be aromatized to estradiol before it affects developing neurons

Question 6

Which of these is true about sex differences in brain anatomy?

Answer 6

The mechanisms of sexual differentiation vary from one area to another

Question 7

Prenatal exposure to higher than average levels of testosterone produces what effect, if any, on girls?

Answer 7

It leads to higher than average interest in boys’ toys and activities

Question 8

When an antidepressant drug increases serotonin levels, which inhibits dopamine release, what happens to sexual behavior?

Answer 8

Decreased sexual arousal

Question 9

Compared to other men, what are testosterone levels of married men?

Answer 9

Lower than average

Question 10

What does the combination pill for birth control contain?

Answer 10

Estradiol and progesterone

Question 11

Female sex drive depends on which hormone or hormones?

Answer 11

Estradiol

Question 12

Vasopressin increases male mammals’ probability of which behavior?

Answer 12

Care for young