Human Growth and Development Final Exam

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early showed lower reading and math scores at a third-grade follow-up compared to children who experienced a full-length prenatal period. This suggests that being born slightly premature can have an impact on cognitive development, leading to educational challenges later on. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the study specifically highlighted lower reading and math scores, not a reduced likelihood of suffering from childhood obesity or neurological impairments, or improved language and social/emotional scores in early childhood.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: One major disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that factors affecting individual development cannot be explored thoroughly. Cross-sectional research involves comparing different groups of people at one specific point in time, and does not allow for tracking individual changes over time. This limitation means that the unique influences and trajectories of individual development may be overlooked in cross-sectional studies. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research as age-related changes can still be compared across different groups in this type of study. Choice B, while a potential issue in any study, is not specific to cross-sectional research. Choice D refers to a different type of bias caused by repeated testing rather than a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Maternal high blood glucose is linked to poorer memory in early childhood. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of maternal blood glucose during pregnancy may negatively impact a child's memory development in early childhood. This highlights the importance of managing blood glucose levels during pregnancy for the health and development of the child. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the established link between maternal high blood glucose and poorer memory in early childhood. Rh factor incompatibility is related to blood type differences between the mother and the fetus, low birth weight can be linked to various factors other than maternal blood glucose, and sharp increases in the mother's blood pressure are not directly associated with maternal high blood glucose.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The male produces sperm in the testes, which are two glands located in the scrotum. The scrotum is the external sac that houses and protects the testes, allowing for optimal temperature regulation to support sperm production. Choice A is incorrect because sperm production does not occur in the penis. Choice B is incorrect because the scrotum houses the testes, not the penis. Choice C is incorrect because sperm is produced in the testes, not the penis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Medical control over childbirth is largely responsible for the worldwide rise in cesarean deliveries. Cesarean deliveries are often performed due to various medical interventions such as monitoring the progress of labor, fetal distress, and other complications that may arise during childbirth. The increasing use of medical interventions and technology has contributed to the higher rate of cesarean deliveries globally. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly involve the decision-making and interventions typically carried out by medical professionals during childbirth, which are major factors leading to the rise in cesarean deliveries.