Final answer:
The nervous system of a developing baby is more vulnerable to mercury poisoning due to the critical developmental events that occur during the embryonic stage of pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The information in the reading suggests that the nervous system of a developing baby is more vulnerable to mercury poisoning compared to the adult's nervous system due to the stage of development and the potential impact on key developmental events.
During the embryonic stage of pregnancy, major events such as neurulation and organogenesis occur to create the three germ layers, nervous system, and most organs of the human body.
This is a critical period where exposure to toxic substances like mercury can cause severe damage or even death of the embryo or fetus. Lead exposure during pregnancy, for example, can lead to impaired neural development and other detrimental effects.
The information provided suggests that the nervous system of a developing baby is more vulnerable to mercury poisoning than an adult's because the developmental stages of pregnancy, particularly the embryonic stage, involve major events like gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis.
During these crucial phases, the nervous system, organs, and other critical structures are being formed, making them sensitive to any disturbances that could lead to severe damage or even death of the embryo or fetus. Additionally, substances like mercury can damage the developing nervous system, leading to long-term consequences such as IQ loss, and impacts on learning, memory, and behavior.