Cochlear implants did not enable hearing in deaf-from-birth cats that received them when fully grown, rather than as 8-week-old infants. This illustrates the importance of ________ for normal sensory development.

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The fact that deaf-from-birth cats did not gain hearing when receiving cochlear implants as fully grown adults, rather than as 8-week-old infants, suggests the importance of a critical period for normal sensory development. During this critical period, specific experiences and stimuli are necessary for normal development to occur. Without these experiences, the brain may be unable to develop certain abilities, such as hearing in this case.

Cochlear Implants Did Not Enable Hearing in Deaf-From-Birth Cats That