Human Growth and Development Final Exam

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: embryo. The most rapid prenatal changes occur during the embryo stage, which spans from approximately 2 to 8 weeks after conception. This period is crucial as major organs and systems of the body develop rapidly, laying the foundation for future growth and development. The zygote stage is the initial single-celled entity formed by the union of sperm and egg, while the blastocyst stage involves the cluster of cells resulting from the zygote dividing and growing. The fetus stage follows the embryo stage and focuses on refining and growing existing structures rather than rapid development. Therefore, the embryo stage is where the most significant and rapid changes take place in prenatal development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Quiet alertness is indeed the most fleeting state of arousal. This state is characterized by a newborn infant being awake, calm, and attentive, but it is short-lived and transitions quickly to other states of arousal. Regular sleep, REM sleep, and drowsiness are not considered as brief and transitional as quiet alertness in newborn infants.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: G. Stanley Hall and his student, Arnold Gesell, launched the normative approach. This approach involves studying large numbers of people of different ages and examining the age-related averages of behaviors to establish norms or typical development patterns. These scholars focused on the systematic observation of how and when certain behaviors appear in children. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the contributions of G. Stanley Hall and Arnold Gesell in the field of developmental psychology.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the germinal period of prenatal development, which lasts for about the first two weeks after fertilization, the developing organism is a zygote that has not yet implanted in the uterus. During this period, teratogens rarely have any impact because essential implantation and early cellular division processes are occurring. Teratogens are more likely to have significant effects during the later embryonic and fetal periods of development. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B, embryonic period, is incorrect because teratogens have a higher likelihood of impacting development during this period. Choice C, fetal period, is also incorrect as teratogens can impact development during this stage as well. Choice D, prenatal, is a broad term encompassing the entire period of development from conception to birth and is not a specific developmental stage where teratogens have a minimal impact.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the description of the twisting and fanning out of newborn Takeo's toes suggests the Babinski reflex, which is typically elicited by stroking the sole of the foot from toe to heel. The Babinski reflex is a normal response in newborns and indicates proper neurological development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not elicit the specific response described in the question.