An Evolutionary Argument for How the Adaptive Response to Maternal

question 36

Multiple Choice

An evolutionary argument for how the adaptive response to maternal stress may aid a fetus to survive postnatally includes the idea that

• A) mothers who are stressed during pregnancy are likely to experience harsh home conditions as well, which can enhance a child's tolerance of later negative life experiences.
• B) prenatal exposure to low levels of cortisol contributes to high infant reactivity, which elicits high attention and calming behaviors by mother towards the infant.
• C) maternal stress from negative living conditions leads to cortisol passing through the placenta to the fetus, causing high arousal and alertness that continues into early childhood.
• D) maternal stress from negative living conditions leads to higher levels of cortisol, which helps the fetus develop more rapidly.
• E) prenatal exposure to cortisol can affect infant negativity and later aggression which may help children compete for resources and cope with a hostile and threatening world.

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Definitions:

Developing Norms

Rules or standards of behavior that are evolving or being established within a group or society.

Immediate Family

Consists of one's closest relatives, such as parents, siblings, and children, often considered the first social unit an individual belongs to.

Subjective Validity

The perception that a belief or opinion is true based on personal experiences and emotions.

Social Norms

Rules that a group uses for appropriate and inappropriate values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.