AP Psychology: Topic 3.2 - Physical Development Across the Lifespan

agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm

using small muscle groups for controlled movements, particularly in object manipulation

using large muscle groups for controlled, goal-directed movements

the emergence of psychological and behavioral characteristics over time; a process occurring in stages which are governed by genes.

involuntary, automatic responses to sensory stimuli, such as the knee-jerk response

a baby's tendency, when touched on the cheek, to open the mouth and search for the nipple

a laboratory test of depth perception for infants and young animals

times in the developmental sequence during which a person must experience certain kinds of social or sensory experiences for the normal development of a particular behavior

times in development when a person is particularly open to learning a certain skill

a relatively sudden and rapid period of physical growth during puberty

the period of maturation during which a person becomes capable of reproducing

the body structures (ovaries, testes, and external genitalia) that make sexual reproduction possible

aspects of sexual maturity not directly related to reproduction, such as voice quality, facial hair, and breast size

the first occurrence of menstruation

first occurrence of ejaculation

the natural cessation of menstruation (and related biological changes) as a woman's ability to reproduce declines