Katya is an infant who lives in a Romanian orphanage. She receives very little stimulation from her environment, and spends most of her days sitting in her crib. She does receive all the food and basic care she needs. Katya's neural development will most likely involve ______.

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Katya's lack of stimulation will lead to a decrease in the number of synapses formed through a process called synaptic pruning. This is because synapses that are not used are eliminated in order to streamline neural connections. Therefore, Katya will likely have a greater degree of synaptic pruning. The other choices are less likely because higher levels of myelination and synaptogenesis, and a greater degree of neuron production, are typically associated with rich and varied stimulation, which Katya does not receive.

Katya Is an Infant Who Lives in a Romanian Orphanage