Question 1

From ages 2-6, the average child gains how many pounds each year?

Accepted Answer

The average child gains about 5 pounds each year from ages 2-6, which is typically a period of rapid physical growth. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Question 2

According to research on ethnic differences in patterns of growth, which child is likely to be the tallest?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that individuals of African descent tend to be taller than individuals of Asian or European descent. Therefore, Tristan, who is from African descent, is likely to be the tallest. It is not possible to make a prediction based on the countries of origin for Gregor or Dante as height can vary within ethnic groups across different geographical locations.

Question 3

Children's height and rate of growth is closely related to ______.

Accepted Answer

Genetics plays a big role in determining a child's height and rate of growth. In general, children tend to grow to a height that is in proportion to the heights of their parents. While factors such as nutrition, exercise, and overall health also influence a child's growth and development, genetics is one of the most important factors in determining a child's height and growth trajectory.

Question 4

Nutritional studies indicate that most children in developed nations ______.

Accepted Answer

Nutritional studies indicate that most children in developed nations eat enough calories but often fail to get enough vitamins or minerals.

Question 5

Which hormone is secreted from birth and influences development of nearly all parts of the body?

Accepted Answer

Growth hormone is secreted from birth and influences the growth and development of nearly all parts of the body. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, estrogen, and testosterone are important hormones, but they are not secreted from birth and do not have as widespread effects on development.

Question 6

Research that showed young children had structural brain changes over a period of 15 months after exposure to activities to build music and auditory skills illustrates which concept?

Accepted Answer

The research showing structural brain changes over a period of 15 months after exposure to activities to build music and auditory skills illustrates the concept of plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences.

Question 7

Plasticity means the brain's ability to ______.

Accepted Answer

Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change its organization and function in response to experience, whether through the creation of new synapses, network reorganization, or changes in neurotransmitter activity. This allows the brain to adapt and modify its functioning in response to changing environments, experiences, and demands. The other choices (B, C, and D) are not accurate descriptions of plasticity.

Question 8

Physical changes combine with what to support advances in preschoolers' gross motor skills?

Accepted Answer

Physical changes, such as growth in muscle mass and bone density, combine with coordination to support advances in gross motor skills. Fine motor development and planning are more related to fine motor skills and cognitive abilities, respectively, rather than gross motor skills. Abstract thinking also does not directly relate to gross motor skills.

Question 9

The fate of unused synapses in the brain is that they ______.

Accepted Answer

Unused synapses in the brain are pruned through a process called synaptic pruning, which helps to make the brain more efficient in processing information. This process occurs naturally as the brain matures, and involves the elimination of weaker synapses while strengthening those that are frequently used. This leads to more efficient thought and improves overall brain function.

Question 10

Research indicates a finding associated with picky eating is ______.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown an association between picky eating and sensory sensitivity, including heightened sensitivity to taste, texture, and smell.

Question 11

Plasticity is greatest when ______.

Accepted Answer

Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt, and this is greatest when neurons are forming many synapses. When neurons form new connections, it allows the brain to reorganize and adapt to new experiences and learning. Myelination and synaptic pruning are important processes for brain development and function, but they do not necessarily lead to greater plasticity. Lateralization, or the specialization of functions in the left and right hemispheres of the brain, can also limit plasticity in certain areas.

Question 12

What process aids quick complex communication between neurons and makes coordinated behaviors possible?

Accepted Answer

Myelination allows for quicker and more complex communication between neurons by facilitating the transmission of signals along axons. This process helps to coordinate behaviors by allowing for rapid communication and coordination among different areas of the brain and nervous system.

Question 13

In early childhood, the greatest increases in cortical surface area is in which area?

Accepted Answer

The frontal cortex undergoes the greatest increase in cortical surface area during early childhood, as this area is responsible for higher thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills that develop during this time. The other options, such as the medulla oblongata and occipital cortex, are not typically associated with significant increases in surface area during childhood development.

Question 14

The first areas of the brain to myelinate govern ______.

Accepted Answer

The first areas of the brain to myelinate are those that govern sensory and motor functions. This is because these functions are essential for survival and must be prioritized during development. Myelination of other areas, such as those involved in abstract thinking, language functions, and complex problem solving, occurs later in development.

Question 15

Which examples are of gross motor skills?

Accepted Answer

Running and jumping are both examples of gross motor skills, which involve large muscle groups and whole-body movements. Walking (A) can also be considered a gross motor skill, but talking is a fine motor skill, which involves smaller muscle movements. Writing (B) and eating are also fine motor skills. Crawling (D) can be considered a gross motor skill for infants, but building is more of a fine motor skill.

Question 16

Which child's brain is experiencing the most myelination?

Accepted Answer

Myelination is most active during early childhood, making Cora, who is 4 years old, the child whose brain is experiencing the most myelination.

Question 17

If each child has sustained the same type of brain injury, which one will likely have the most severe and long-lasting cognitive deficit?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the younger the child at the time of brain injury, the more severe and long-lasting the cognitive deficit. Therefore, Tansy, who is 7 years old, would likely have the least severe cognitive deficit compared to the younger children.

Question 18

At what age does a child's brain reach 90% of its adult weight?

Accepted Answer

The answer of At what age does a child's brain...

Question 19

Which skills tend to be lateralized to the left hemisphere?

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere is typically associated with language skills, including speech production and comprehension.

Question 20

At which age do many children suddenly become picky eaters?

Accepted Answer

Many children suddenly become picky eaters around the age of 3.

Quiz 7: Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood