In the human brain, a great deal of synaptic pruning occurs in early childhood. This pruning appears to be:
A) The unfortunate result of insufficiently stimulating home environments
B) An adaptive process that allows children to deal more efficiently with their environment
C) Due to an imbalance of important nutrients, and especially to low levels of the B vitamins in many children's diets
D) Reflective of the fact that the forebrain is slowly taking over responsibility for functions that have previously been regulated by the hindbrain and midbrain

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Synaptic pruning in early childhood is an adaptive process that allows the brain to become more efficient in processing information and adapting to the environment. It is not solely due to environmental factors or nutritional imbalances, although these factors can certainly impact brain development. And while the forebrain does gradually take over many functions previously regulated by the hindbrain and midbrain, this is not the primary reason for synaptic pruning in early childhood.

In the Human Brain, a Great Deal of Synaptic Pruning