From an evolutionary point of view, the main advantage of teenage risk taking is that it:
A) helps our species weed out young people who are not fit to reproduce.
B) pushes young people to venture into the world and experience life.
C) permits society to target which young people are likely to be "bad."
D) causes parents to disengage emotionally from their children.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Teenage risk-taking behavior can be viewed as a way for young people to explore the world and gain experience, which can be beneficial for their survival and success as adults. It allows them to develop skills and gain knowledge that they may not have otherwise acquired. This behavior is also a natural part of adolescent brain development, as the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and impulse control) is not fully developed until the mid-20s. While some risk-taking behavior can be dangerous and lead to negative consequences, it can also be a valuable learning experience. Option A is incorrect as it goes against the principles of natural selection and does not account for the fact that risk-taking behavior is a common and natural part of adolescent development. Option C is incorrect as it implies a predetermined bias against certain individuals and overlooks the complexity of risk-taking behavior. Option D is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that teenage risk-taking behavior causes parents to disengage emotionally from their children.

From an Evolutionary Point of View, the Main Advantage of Teenage