When a 1-month-old kitten is put in the dark and kept there during the fourth week of life and beyond, damage to visual centers of the brain is severe and permanent. This example provides evidence of
A) brain plasticity.
B) synaptic pruning.
C) lateralization of the cerebral cortex.
D) sensitive periods in brain development.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This example clearly demonstrates the concept of sensitive periods in brain development. Sensitive periods are specific time periods during development where the brain is particularly receptive to certain experiences or stimuli, and if those experiences or stimuli are not present during that window, there can be permanent negative effects on development. In this case, the sensitive period for visual development occurs during the first few weeks of life, and if a kitten is deprived of visual input during that time, the damage to the visual centers of the brain is severe and permanent.

When a 1-Month-Old Kitten Is Put in the Dark and Kept