PrepTest 112, Section 2, Question 15
Discussions of how hormones influence behavior have generally(431 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(8 more words not shown)
- ABoth the solute(16 more words not shown)
- BBehavioral responses to(17 more words not shown)
- CThe effect of(11 more words not shown)
- DBehavioral and physiological(18 more words not shown)
- EThe mechanisms regulating(11 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted that hormones help regulate the body's water and salt balance. Vasopressin is the detailed example, but the discussion also covers thirst and drinking. Let's look for an answer that captures how the body restores that balance without reducing the whole explanation to one hormone or one response.
Working the answers
- A
Keeping concentration within a narrow range is part of the account. This leaves out the hormonal responses that accomplish it, though, and adds a claim about keeping blood-plasma volume within a narrow range. Mentioning the volume of water inside cells doesn't establish that additional claim.
- B
The kidneys haven't malfunctioned. At the end, they retain as much water as they can; drinking helps when that response alone isn't enough. Reaching the limit of a working system is different from the system failing.
- C
The opening already treats reproductive hormones' influence on behavior as familiar. What's newer is the recognition that other hormones affect behavior too, not the discovery of hormonal effects altogether.
- DCorrect
This includes both halves of the explanation: internal adjustments, such as the kidneys conserving water, and behavior, such as drinking. They are “complementary physiological and behavioral responses” serving the same balance. D makes our initial hormone-focused prediction more complete.
- E
Reproduction introduces the earlier focus of research. We don't then compare its mechanisms in detail with those controlling thirst and sodium appetite. That isn't the central explanation.
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