Describe ethnic and cultural similarities and differences in reflexive behavior. Why are differences usually a matter of degree rather than kind?
What will be an ideal response?
- Reflexes typically represent an evolutionarily adaptive response to the environment. When stumbling into a pool of water, for example, the reflex of paddling and kicking is helpful for an infant's survival. Similarly, the rooting reflex helps an infant to identify a viable food source, and the sucking reflex makes sure that nourishment follows.
- Behaviors that are evolutionarily adaptive apply to an entire species; in this case, all humans. However, there are some ethnic and cultural differences in reflexive responding.
- For example, Navajo infants show a more muted Moro response compared to Caucasian infants; the response is still present (as befits an evolutionary advantage) but it is more subtle.
- A difference of greater magnitude - the absence of a reflexive response - can be diagnostic of brain damage or other forms of compromised development.
- For example, an infant who doesn't show a Moro response at all likely has some neurological impairment.
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