Question

According to a study by Coleman that compared the brains of adults at various ages, from the 40s through the 70s, the

A) number of axons increased.
B) growth of dendrites decreased.
C) growth of dendrites increased.
D) number of neurons increased.

Answer 1

The study by Coleman found that as adults age, the growth of dendrites tends to decrease, not increase; also, synaptic pruning and neurodegeneration play roles in cognitive changes with aging.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the study by Coleman, which compared adult brains from various ages ranging from their 40s to 70s, the correct answer to the changes observed in the brains is B) the growth of dendrites decreased. As humans age, the growth of dendrites tends to decrease, which correlates with the research that indicates neurodegeneration and decreased cortical plasticity. This decline can be linked to a variety of cognitive changes and is further supported by evidence of synaptic pruning and reduced neurogenesis in adults compared to the rapid neural development of early childhood and adolescence.