Final answer:
Very small and very large newborns are less likely to survive due to low birth weight, pre-term birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. Maternal undernutrition and limited access to medical care are contributing factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Very small and very large human newborns are less likely to survive than those born at an intermediate weight due to a number of factors. Low birth weight, which is defined as a weight at birth of less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lb), increases the risk of mortality shortly after birth. Pre-term birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are major causes of low birth weight. Babies born too early have underdeveloped respiratory and nervous systems, which makes survival more challenging. On the other hand, very large infants pose risks to the mother during childbirth. Additionally, maternal undernutrition and poor fetal growth can lead to low birth weight and increase the chance of infant mortality. The mother's ability to nourish the fetus can be compromised, and there may be limited access to necessary medical care.