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TITLE OF VIDEO:
The Brain: Evolution
VIDEO COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
1. What fossil evidence, found at the Shanidar cave, was used to imply the evolution of
human consciousness?
2. Why are the basal ganglia, limbic system and brain stem referred to as the "old brain"?
3. What is the function of the cortex?
4. What is a neuron?
5. What types of signals are necessary for neurons to communicate with each other?
6. How do messages cross the synaptic gap from one neuron to another?
7. What is the role of receptor sites in the transmission of a message in the nervous system?
8. How do chemical imbalances in the body affect brain function?
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Copyright 2001 Discovery.com.
Teachers may reproduce copies of these materials for classroom use only. See next page for answers.
The Brain: Evolution
VIDEO COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
1. What fossil evidence, found at the Shanidar cave, was used to imply the evolution of
human consciousness?
A Neanderthal burial site, discovered by Dr. Soleki in Shanidar cave in Iraq, provided evidence for
the evolution of human consciousness.
2. Why are the basal ganglia, limbic system and brain stem referred to as the "old brain"?
The basal ganglia, limbic system and brain stem are called the "old brain" because they control the
subconscious activities and are thought to have developed in humans before the more conscious
brain structures.
3. What is the function of the cortex?
Billions of neurons are packed into the cortex, where they receive, process and store the memory
of sensory information as well as originate ideas.
4. What is a neuron?
A neuron is a specialized cell for the transmission of information to other nerve cells, muscles or
glands.
5. What types of signals are necessary for neurons to communicate with each other?
Electrical and chemical signals are necessary for the transmission of messages along neurons.
6. How do messages cross the synaptic gap from one neuron to another?
Neurotransmitters are released by neurons at a synapse for the purpose of relaying information via
receptors.
7. What is the role of receptor sites in the transmission of a message in the nervous system?
Receptor sites bond with incoming molecules, allowing new electrical signals to continue along
another neuron.
8. How do chemical imbalances in the body affect brain function?
Mood disorders and mental illness may result from chemical imbalances in the body.
DiscoverySchool.com
http://www.discoveryschool.com
Copyright 2001 Discovery.com.
Teachers may reproduce copies of these materials for classroom use only.