Myers' Psychology for AP®, 2e, Module 45

developmental psychology

a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span. (p. 462)

embryo

the developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the second month. (p. 466)

fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant woman's heavy drinking. In severe cases, signs include a small, out-of-proportion head and abnormal facial features. (p. 467)

fetus

the developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth. (p. 466)

habituation

decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation. As infants gain familiarity with repeated exposure to a visual stimulus, their interest wanes and they look away sooner. (p. 468)

teratogens

(literally, "monster makers") agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm. (p. 467)

zygote

the fertilized egg; it enters a 2-week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo. (p. 466)