Final answer:
The Metrical theory of phonological development focuses on how stress patterns influence the physical characteristics of phonemes in language, shaping rhythmic and prosodic aspects of phonological development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Metrical theory of phonological development mentioned in the question refers to a concept within the field of linguistics, more specifically phonological development. It deals with the idea that stress patterns within a language can influence the physical manifestation of its phonemes. Stress, in spoken language, is the emphasis placed on certain syllables or words. This emphasis can affect the duration, pitch, loudness, and quality of the vowel within the syllable.
In answering the question, option b, 'states that stress can have an effect on the physical realization of the phoneme' seems most relevant. The literature suggests that this theory is more concerned with how the rhythm and prosody of language, such as stress and intonation, shape the development of phonemes rather than the dominance of manner of articulation over place or the explanation of tone languages.
The role of stress in phonological development becomes apparent when considering variables such as the metrical foot, which is a unit of stress patterns in poetry and language. The principle of a metrical foot in linguistics draws from the poetic term, emphasizing the rhythmic components in language learning and acquisition.