Question

Basic reflexes ________?

1) are rapid, predictable, learned responses
2) may be modified by learned behavior
3) are autonomic only
4) are always mediated by the brain

Answer 1

Basic reflexes may be modified by learned behavior. Therefore, the correct answer is 2) may be modified by learned behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reflexes are rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli that help organisms quickly adapt to their environment. While basic reflexes are often innate and autonomic, they can be influenced and modified by learned behavior. This ability to adapt reflects the dynamic nature of reflex arcs, which involve sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons. The interplay of these elements allows for both instinctive responses and adjustments based on experience.

Reflexes involve a neural pathway known as a reflex arc. When a stimulus activates sensory receptors, impulses travel through a sensory neuron to the spinal cord, where interneurons process the information. In the case of basic reflexes, the spinal cord may initiate a rapid motor response without involving higher brain centers. However, the involvement of learned behavior suggests a level of plasticity in the reflex arc, where experiences can shape and modify these automatic responses.

This adaptability is crucial for survival in changing environments. For instance, reflexes like the withdrawal of a hand from a hot surface may be refined through experience, allowing for more precise and context-specific responses. While the basic components of reflex arcs remain intact, the potential for modification by learned behavior highlights the intricate relationship between innate and acquired aspects of an organism's response mechanisms.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2) may be modified by learned behavior.