Which idea from the text does this image of a sculpture formed by chipping away at a block of stone best support?
A the brain reaching its greatest size during the teen years
B people having trouble learning a new language as they get older
C the brain “chopping” away or eliminating excess synapses
D nerve cells in the human brain “talking” to each other
The correct answer is: C the brain “chopping” away or eliminating excess synapses.
Explanation: The image of a sculpture formed by chipping away at a block of stone serves as a metaphor for how the brain develops by refining itself, particularly during crucial stages of growth. Just as a sculptor removes excess material to reveal a form, the brain eliminates unnecessary synapses to improve efficiency and functionality. This process happens significantly during adolescence, aligning with the idea of the brain “chopping” away excess connections. If you have more questions or want further details, feel free to ask!
The correct answer is C the brain “chopping” away or eliminating excess synapses.
This idea aligns well with the process of sculpting, where excess material is removed from a block of stone to reveal a refined shape. Similarly, in brain development, the elimination of excess synapses (connections between nerve cells) occurs, especially in early life and during adolescence, to enhance the efficiency of neural networks. This metaphor effectively illustrates how the brain, like a sculptor, refines itself by removing what is unnecessary.
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