Neuroscience: Instincts and Learning

The video explores the five senses: touch, sight, smell, hearing, and taste, and how the brain processes sensory information. It explains the role of neurons and the nervous system in transmitting sensory data to the brain, which then interprets and stores it as memories. The video also distinguishes between learned and instinctual behaviors, providing examples of each. An activity is included to test neuron response speed, and the video concludes with a recap of the key concepts.

Which of the following is NOT one of the five senses?

• Touch

• Sight

• Taste

• Balance

What part of the body decides if something feels smooth?

• The skin

• The eyes

• The hand

• The brain

What are neurons responsible for in the nervous system?

• Pumping blood

• Digesting food

• Producing hormones

• Carrying information

How can you test the speed of your neuron cells?

• By solving a puzzle

• By running a mile

• By catching a falling ruler

• By measuring your pulse

What is a learned behavior?

• A behavior you observe in others

• A behavior you inherit genetically

• A behavior you learn from experience

• A behavior you are born with

Why do we avoid touching a hot grill?

• Because it is a learned behavior

• Because it is instinctual

• Because we have a memory of it being painful

• Because it looks dangerous

What is an example of an instinctual behavior?

• Learning to ride a bike

• Migrating birds

• Cooking a meal

• Reading a book

Which behavior is NOT learned from memory?

• Riding a bicycle

• Speaking a language

• Migrating to a new location

• Avoiding hot surfaces

What distinguishes instinctual behaviors from learned behaviors?

• Instinctual behaviors are forgotten over time

• Instinctual behaviors are innate and not learned

• Instinctual behaviors are learned through experience

• Instinctual behaviors are taught by parents

Which of the following is a characteristic of learned behaviors?

• They are genetically inherited

• They are stored as memories

• They are instinctual

• They are forgotten quickly