Question

A female rhesus monkey is exposed to testosterone in utero. As a result, the animal displays some defeminized behaviors as an adult. In this case, the influence of the hormone exposure had a(n) __________ effect.

Answer 1

Answer:

organizational effect.

Explanation:

Organizational effect is a long-term effect of hormonal action typically occurring in fetal development or the early postnatal period that leads to permanent changes in behavior and neural functioning. For example, the presence of testosterone in young male rats leads to long-term male-typical behavior, and female rats can be masculinized by neonatal exposure to testosterone.

Organizational effects act during development, often during critical period. Such hormones affect the construction or fine-tuning of sex organs or neural circuits underlying behavioral capacities that will be needed in adulthood.

Organizational effects are often under tight genetic control, and not subject to major influence by environment.

Organizational effects are often irreversible.