Answer: D.) As children develop, some of their bones fuse together, and adults have fewer bones as a result.
Explanation: During the process of growth and development, children experience a phenomenon known as bone fusion, where certain bones fuse together to form a single bone. This fusion occurs at specific sites in the body called epiphyseal plates, which are growth plates located at the ends of long bones.
As children reach adulthood, these growth plates close and the bones fuse together, resulting in a decrease in the overall number of bones. This fusion is a normal part of skeletal development and contributes to the structural integrity and stability of the adult skeleton.
For example, the bones in the skull of an infant are not fully fused, allowing for flexibility during childbirth. However, as the child grows, these bones gradually fuse together to form a solid structure.