Developmental Psychology- Lifespan Development Study Questions and Answers

Longitudinal Study studies a person or group of people over an extended period of time Cross-sectional Study compares individuals of various ages at one point in time Genome the set of complete instructions for making an organism Chromosome the genetic master code for the body. It is made up of DNA DNA a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes Identical Twins twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms Fraternal Twins twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers or sisters, but they share a fetal environment Prenatal Period the period of pregnancy that begins with conception and ends 9 months later with birth Conception the fertilization of the egg Zygote the fertilized egg Differentiation cells choosing their specialization, such as a stomach or a brain cell Embryo the developing human organism from 2 - 8 weeks (2nd month). At this time organs begin to form and function (the heart beats, liver produces red cells, etc.), the umbilical cord forms, and arms and legs are beginning to form Fetus the developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth Teratogens toxic substances that can harm the embryo or fetus if ingested or contracted by the mother. Examples are alcohol, drugs, nicotine, HIV, AIDS, etc Fetal Alcohol Syndrome physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant woman's heavy drinking. Some characteristics include: disproportioned head, learning disabilities, emotional problems, etc Neonate newborn Reflexes survival actions with which a baby is born SIDS the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation is conducted