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GATE 2026 XH5 (Psychology) – Question 46

Biological and Evolutionary Basis of Behaviour · Biological Basis of Motivation, Emotion and Memory: Hunger, thirst, sleep, sex, the limbic system · 2 marks · Multiple choice

Lesion studies show that _____ hypothalamus is an excitatory region for hunger, and ______ hypothalamus is involved in its cessation.

  1. Lateral, Ventromedial
  2. Lateral, Central
  3. Central, Ventromedial
  4. Ventromedial, Lateral

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Lateral, Ventromedial

Explanation

Damage to the lateral hypothalamus makes animals stop eating, so it normally drives hunger. Damage to the ventromedial hypothalamus makes animals overeat, so it normally signals that eating should stop.