Humans Can Smell as Many as 10,000 Different Odors but Have

question 24

Multiple Choice

Humans can smell as many as 10,000 different odors but have significantly fewer types of olfactory receptors.Which of the following is the best explanation for why humans can distinguish so many smells?

• A) The belief that we can smell so many different distinct odors is a psychological process referred to as an uncinate fit or olfactory hallucination.
• B) The olfactory pathway travels to location in the brain in which memories are formed and we simply mix this new sensory information with old memories.
• C) The sensation of a single, distinct smell is a combination of a variety of chemicals that stimulate different combinations of olfactory receptor cells all at once.
• D) Taste receptors that are active at the same time influence the subtlety of what we smell.

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Definitions:

Longitudinal Study

An observational research method that follows the same subjects over a period of time, often years, to observe changes or developments.

Theory of Mind

The ability to attribute mental states—beliefs, intents, desires, emotions, knowledge—to oneself and to others, and to understand that others have beliefs, desires, and intentions that are different from one's own.

Worldview

A comprehensive perspective or collection of beliefs through which an individual interprets and understands the world around them.

Self-Esteem

An individual's overall subjective emotional evaluation of their own worth.