Sensory Systems Develop Prior to Birth

question 26

Essay

Sensory systems develop prior to birth. For example, the unborn child can hear while still in the womb. Taking audition and vision as examples, describe how and when sensory systems mature in the womb.

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Definitions:

Canalization

A genetic term referring to the tendency of an organism to develop in a predetermined way, despite variations in environment or genetics.

Gene-environment Correlation

This concept describes how genetic factors influence an individual's exposure to certain environments.

Epigenetics

The study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence, affecting how genes are turned on or off.

Development

The process of growth and change that a person undergoes, which can be physical, cognitive, or emotional in nature.