AP Psychology / Unit 3: Development and Learning
3.2 Physical Development Across the Lifespan
Notes
- Prenatal: teratogens (alcohol, drugs) can harm development.
- Infant reflexes: rooting, sucking, grasping.
- Critical periods for some skills; brain pruning removes unused connections.
- Adolescence: puberty; the frontal lobe develops into the mid-20s.
- Aging: slower processing, but many abilities stay strong.
Practice
A newborn turning toward a touch on the cheek shows the:
Searching for food.
Fetal alcohol syndrome is caused by a:
Harmful prenatal substance.
The last brain region to fully mature:
Judgment and planning.
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