This is, as always, somewhat of a simplification but I'm assuming you want an answer aimed at a typical Intro student?
"Why" questions can sometimes be tricky. So in answering the first question I'd make sure to explain that the question could be more precisely phrased/constructed. 1) Because there is not likely much selective pressure for fast parasympathetic activation (relaxing fast doesn't aid reproduction). But there certainly would be against slow sympathetic activation (being eaten prevents reproduction). 2) There is no single or even simple answer to that. Also this question could be clearer or more precise as well. Blind people often do have some vision (both in the main and parallel systems). Light does serve a "resetting" function but it is too simplistic to say it keeps us on a 24 hour rhythm as it constantly adjusts to the light/dark cycle not to the clock, as it were. There is evidence, however, that those individuals with no ability to perceive light (totally without vision or visual input) do have more difficulty with the resetting to the clock. Tim _______________________________ Timothy O. Shearon, PhD Professor and Chair Department of Psychology The College of Idaho Caldwell, ID 83605 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] teaching: intro to neuropsychology; psychopharmacology; general; history and systems "You can't teach an old dogma new tricks." Dorothy Parker -----Original Message----- From: Julie Osland [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tue 10/21/2008 11:13 AM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS) Subject: [tips] student questions Hi Tipsters-- I need to draw on your collective wisdom in order to answer the following student questions from my general psychology classes. 1) Why does the parasympathetic nervous system act more slowly than the sympathetic nervous system? 2) If light helps keep circadian rhythms on a 24hr schedule, what happens if the person is blind? Thanks, Julie -- Dr. Julie A. Osland, M.A., Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology Wheeling Jesuit University 316 Washington Avenue Wheeling, WV 26003 Office: (304) 243-2329 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
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