Answer: An animal performs an action AND when it observes another performing the same action (proposed role in imitation, empathy).
- A An animal generally detects a sudden change in ambient light intensity within its visual field of view according to standard textbooks
- B An animal performs an action AND when it observes another performing the same action (proposed role in imitation, empathy)
- C Mainly during slow-wave or REM sleep stages, rarely during ordinary waking activity periods in general practice as frequently described
- D Mainly in direct response to acute nociceptive pain stimulation applied to the skin surface in most textbook accounts
Correct answer: B. An animal performs an action AND when it observes another performing the same action (proposed role in imitation, empathy)
Explanation: Mirror neurons (di Pellegrino et al., Rizzolatti lab): activate both when animal performs goal-directed action and when it observes the same action. Proposed role in action understanding, imitation, and empathy.
Structure of a neuron. Image: LadyofHats (Mariana Ruiz), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Concept context
Brain, spinal cord, neurons, reflex arcs, and sense organs.