OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a nervous response?

1. Fast

2. Short lasting

3. Involves the brain and spinal cord

4. Slow

The correct answer is: Slow

A nervous response is characterized by several key features that distinguish it from other types of responses in the body, such as hormonal responses. The nervous response is primarily known for its speed; it is a rapid process that allows for quick reactions to stimuli. This fast response is essential for survival, enabling organisms to react promptly to environmental changes or potential threats. Additionally, the effects of a nervous response are typically short-lived. Once the stimulus is removed, the effects cease relatively quickly, as the nervous system's influence tends to be immediate and localized, contrasting with the longer-lasting effects of hormonal responses. The involvement of the brain and spinal cord is also a crucial aspect of a nervous response. These components of the central nervous system process information and coordinate responses, highlighting the complexity and efficiency of the nervous system in managing stimuli and responses. Thus, the feature that does not fit within the characteristics of a nervous response is that it is slow. Nervous responses are swift and transient by nature, which is why identifying "slow" as a feature is correct in this context.