In the human brain, a great deal of synaptic pruning occurs in the first few years of development. This pruning appears to be:
A) An adaptive process that allows children to deal more efficiently with their environment
B) Due to an imbalance of important nutrients, and especially to low levels of the B vitamins in many children's diets
C) Reflective of the fact that the cortex is slowly taking over responsibility for functions that have previously been controlled by other parts of the brain
D) The unfortunate result of insufficiently stimulating home and school environments

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Synaptic pruning is an adaptive process that removes less active synapses to enhance the efficiency of neuronal transmissions, allowing for more efficient processing and adaptation to the environment. This is not primarily due to nutritional deficiencies, the cortex taking over functions, or insufficient stimulation, but rather a natural part of brain development.

In the Human Brain, a Great Deal of Synaptic Pruning