Final answer:
The claim that newborns have an innate preference for bitter tastes is false; they naturally prefer sweet tastes. This preference likely evolved to ensure infants are willing to consume breast milk, which supports their survival and growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that newborns have an innate preference for bitter-tasting things is false. Newborns actually have a preference for sweet tastes and this preference is thought to help them accept breast milk and promote a positive feeding experience. Bitter tastes, on the other hand, are usually associated with toxic substances and can stimulate a gag reflex in both infants and adults to prevent the ingestion of potential poisons. Therefore, newborns are more likely to reject bitter-tasting substances.
Furthermore, newborns can also respond to different smells, often showing a preference for the smell of foods that their mother ate during pregnancy. These preferences in taste and smell help newborns adjust to their environment and bond with their caregivers, which are essential for their survival and development.