In an investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early __________ than children who experienced a full-length prenatal period.

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: A

Rationale: Recent evidence suggests that paternal alcohol use around the time of conception can alter gene expression. This means that paternal alcohol consumption can potentially impact the genes and genetic materials passed on to offspring, affecting their development and health. Choice B is incorrect because fetal alcohol syndrome is typically associated with maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, not paternal alcohol use around conception. Choice C is incorrect as there is no direct link between paternal alcohol use and blood vessel abnormalities. Choice D is incorrect as paternal alcohol use can indeed have negative effects on the developing organism, particularly through altering gene expression.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Max, age 65, learning to play the piano at a local senior center demonstrates that development is plastic at all ages. This means that individuals have the potential to learn and grow regardless of their age, showing that it is never too late to acquire new skills and experiences. Choice A is incorrect because it presents a negative view of aging, which is not supported by Max's actions. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that learning is restricted to certain age periods, which is contradicted by Max's experience. Choice D is incorrect because Max's learning of the piano at 65 suggests that musical talent can be developed at any age, not necessarily peaking in late adulthood.

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.

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: A

Rationale: Natural childbirth experts Grantly Dick-Read and Fernand Lamaze recognized that cultural attitudes about childbirth had taught women to fear the birth experience. They believed that this fear contributed to increased pain during labor and advocated for methods to reduce fear and promote relaxation during childbirth. Choice B is incorrect as the focus is on fear, not on techniques to lessen pain. Choice C is incorrect as the experts did not advocate against medical intervention but rather against unnecessary fear. Choice D is incorrect as the experts aimed to change attitudes towards childbirth, not redirect focus to child rearing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Dr. Langley's work being focused on understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan aligns with the field of developmental science, which studies how individuals grow and change from birth through old age. This field encompasses the study of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and other aspects of development across the lifespan. Choice A, genetics, primarily focuses on the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation, which is not directly related to understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan. Choice B, clinical psychology, concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders rather than the broader study of development across the lifespan. Choice C, adolescent development, is more specific and limited in scope compared to the comprehensive study of development across the entire lifespan, which is the focus of developmental science.

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: C

Rationale: During the third stage of labor, the correct answer is C, the placenta is delivered. This stage occurs after the baby is born and involves the expulsion of the placenta from the uterus. Choice A is incorrect because the thinning of the cervix to nothing typically occurs during the first stage of labor. Choice B is incorrect as uterine contractions usually begin during the first stage of labor to help with the dilation of the cervix. Choice D is incorrect because the baby is typically born in the second stage of labor, not the third.