11.5

Question 1

epigenetic processes impact on biological development

(note: epigenetic influences accumulate over lifespan)

Answer 1

=> younger children have had less time for epigenetic interactions to take place
- so younger age groups have more consistent physical characteristics and behaviors

Question 2

definecritical or sensitive periods impact on biological development

Answer 2

sensitive period: special time-windows during early development (infancy) where experience HAS an effect on the brain

critical period: experience is REQUIRED at the stage/time for normal function

Question 3

critical periods of brain growth(there are 2)

Answer 3

1 - prenatally up to age 18 months
2nd - early teen years

Question 4

what occurs during critical period brain growth 1

Answer 4

rapid growth in gray matter / collections of neural cell bodies
- brain grows 64%, goes from less than 15% to around 50% of an adult brain size

Question 5

critical period brain growth 2
- when does the gray matter growth peak?
- when does it thin off?
- abnormalities can be associated with the onset of which disorder?
- white matter / myeline continues to mature?

Answer 5

• ages 11-12
• remainder of teen years (then in the 20s)
• schizophrenia
• yes, until young adulthood

Question 6

impact of experience on biological development

Answer 6

• affects the formation of synapses!