Why is it that malnourished children are often quiet and express little interest in what goes on around them?
A) They are afraid that if they are noisy they will get no food.
B) These qualities are adaptive, as they conserve the child's limited energy.
C) They have usually been shamed and mocked so they are very shy.
D) They have learned nothing they do matters so they become very docile.

Question

Why is it that malnourished children are often quiet and express little interest in what goes on around them?
A) ​They are afraid that if they are noisy they will get no food.
B) ​These qualities are adaptive, as they conserve the child's limited energy.
C) ​They have usually been shamed and mocked so they are very shy.
D) ​They have learned nothing they do matters so they become very docile.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Malnourished children have limited energy due to lack of food and nutrients, so they conserve their energy by being quiet and expressing little interest in their surroundings. This behavior is adaptive for their survival.

Why Is It That Malnourished Children Are Often Quiet and Express