Question 1: Define the term 'biological rhythm'.

Answer: A biological rhythm is a natural, regular pattern of physical or behavioral changes in living organisms that occur in a cycle, such as sleep, hormone release, or body temperature.

Question 2: Name the main type of biological rhythm that controls our sleep-wake cycle.

Answer: Circadian rhythm.

Question 3: Describe how exposure to natural light influences the circadian rhythm.

Answer: Natural light helps regulate the circadian rhythm by signaling to the brain when it is daytime, which promotes wakefulness, and when it is night, which encourages sleep. Light exposure in the morning can advance the rhythm, while exposure at night can delay it.

Question 4: Explain what is meant by 'ultradian rhythms' and give an example.

Answer: Ultradian rhythms are biological cycles that occur more than once in a 24-hour period. An example is the stages of sleep, such as REM and non-REM sleep, which cycle approximately every 90 minutes.

Question 5: Identify and briefly describe one way in which disruptions to circadian rhythms can affect health.

Answer: Disruptions to circadian rhythms, such as shift work or jet lag, can lead to sleep problems, increased stress, weakened immune function, and higher risk of health issues like heart disease and depression.

Question 6: Why are biological rhythms considered important in psychology?

Answer: They are important because they influence many aspects of behavior and health, including sleep, mood, and physical functioning, helping us understand how internal biological processes affect daily life.

Question 7: Describe what a researcher might observe in a person experiencing jet lag.

Answer: A researcher might observe irregular sleep patterns, feelings of fatigue during the day, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and a disruption in normal eating habits as the person's internal clock adjusts to a new time zone.

Question 8: Sketch a simple diagram representing the sleep cycle over a typical 24-hour period. Include at least two stages of sleep and indicate their approximate timing.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a graph with a 24-hour timeline, illustrating cyclical peaks and valleys representing sleep stages. It should include stages like REM sleep and deep sleep, occurring approximately every 90 minutes, with labels.

Question 9: Explain how biological clocks differ from biological rhythms.

Answer: Biological clocks are internal mechanisms that regulate the timing of biological rhythms, such as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain. Rhythms are the observable patterns, like sleep or hormone cycles, that are controlled by these clocks.