Dr.Horner is conducting research on the development of the tonotopic map in the auditory cortex of rats.He repeatedly exposes both young and old rats to pure tones.Which of the following statements most accurately reflects what Dr.Horner will find?
A) There will be a larger representation of those sounds in the auditory cortex of the older rats.
B) There will be equal representation of those sounds in the auditory cortex of both the old and young rats.
C) There will be a larger representation of those sounds in the auditory cortex of the young rats.
D) Bottom-up processes can help reorganize the auditory cortex of older rats even after the sensitive period is over.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tonotopic map in the auditory cortex of rats is developed during the sensitive period, which occurs during early life. Exposure to pure tones during this time helps in the formation of the map. Hence, there will be a larger representation of those sounds in the auditory cortex of the young rats. Older rats, who are beyond the sensitive period, will not be able to reorganize their auditory cortex to form new representations of sounds, so the representation of those sounds in their auditory cortex will be relatively lower. Option C is the best answer.

DrHorner Is Conducting Research on the Development of the Tonotopic