Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

As the bones in the hand and wrist ossify, which skill do babies find easier to develop?

1. Voluntarily control their movements.

2. Coordinate their perceptions and motor behavior.

3. Stand alone and walk.

4. Grasp objects and pick them up.

The correct answer is: Grasp objects and pick them up.

The correct answer is that as the bones in the hand and wrist ossify, babies find it easier to develop the skill to grasp objects and pick them up. This process of ossification strengthens the bones and provides a more stable and supportive structure for the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the hand. As the skeletal system becomes more developed, babies gain increased hand strength and dexterity, which is crucial for effectively grasping objects. When the bones are still primarily cartilage, as they are in the early stages of development, infants often have less control and strength in their grip. As the hand bones ossify, the muscles can coordinate better with the structural support provided, allowing infants to engage in purposeful grasping. This is particularly significant during the early months as babies explore their environment, as grasping is one of the primary methods they interact with objects. Other skills, such as voluntarily controlling movements or coordinating perceptions and motor behavior, are also important in development but are not as directly tied to the ossification of the bones in the hand and wrist. Similarly, standing alone and walking require various other physical developments and motor skills that depend on overall body strength beyond just hand and wrist ossification.