As long as negative environmental influences such as poor nutrition or illness are not severe,
A) children and adolescents typically show catch-up growth once conditions improve.
B) adopted children typically reach a height closer to their adoptive than biological parents' heights.
C) body weight is influenced by eating habits rather than heredity.
D) height and rate of physical growth are largely determined by the environment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Catch-up growth refers to a phenomenon where children and adolescents experience rapid physical growth to attain their genetically determined height after experiencing temporary growth suppression due to negative environmental factors like poor nutrition or minor illnesses. Once these conditions improve, children and adolescents typically show catch-up growth to reach their predicted heights.

Option B is incorrect because although adoptive children may have the potential to reach heights closer to their adoptive parents because of the influence of a supportive environment, genetics still play a significant role in determining height.

Option C is also incorrect because body weight is influenced by both eating habits and heredity.

Option D is incorrect because height and rate of physical growth are determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with genetics accounting for approximately 60-80% of the variability in height.

As Long as Negative Environmental Influences Such as Poor Nutrition