When a 1-month-old kitten is put in the dark and kept there during the fourth week of life and beyond, damage to visual centers of the brain is permanent. This example provides evidence of
A) brain plasticity.
B) synaptic pruning.
C) lateralization of the cerebral cortex.
D) sensitive periods in brain development.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the kitten's visual centers are permanently damaged suggests that there is a sensitive period in brain development during which certain experiences are necessary for proper development. In this case, exposure to light during this sensitive period is critical for visual center development, and if this experience is missed, damage occurs. This is a clear example of the importance of sensitive periods in brain development.

When a 1-Month-Old Kitten Is Put in the Dark and Kept