Chapter 34, Problem 1MM

Summary Introduction

Concept Introduction: The sex hormones drive sexual behavior. The fertility period is synced with an increase in the concentration of the sex hormones. The sex hormones influence sexual behaviors at various points in the life span of an individual.

Answer to Problem 1MM

Correct answer:  Sharp rise in sexual interest at puberty is a striking effect of hormonal changes on human sexual behavior.  Therefore, option b. is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reasons for the correct statement:

During the entire life span of human beings, the sex hormones influence the sexual behavior that include: during prenatal period for the development of a fetus into male or female, during puberty for sexual maturity and to begin the process of propagation of species, and post puberty until late adult years for sexual intercourse with partners and conceive a child for procreation.

Option b. is given as “sharp rise in sexual interest at puberty”.

As the sex hormones influence an increase in the sexual interest during the puberty, it shows the role of hormones and its influence on the sexual behavior, option b. is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option a. is given as “end of sexual desire in men over 60”.

Sexual desire in men lasts up to 80 years. Therefore, option a. is incorrect.

Option c. is given as “decrease in women’s sexual desire at the time of ovulation”.

Women’s sexual desire reaches its peak at the time of ovulation. Therefore, option c. is incorrect.

Option d. is given as “increase in testosterone levels in castrated males”.

During castration, the testes are removed or made inactive. Testes produce testosterone. Testosterone is the male hormone that influences sexual behavior. Therefore, option d. is incorrect.

Hence, options a., c., and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion

Sharp rise in sexual interest at puberty is a striking effect of hormonal changes on the human sexual behavior.