[Campbell Biology P.1148] Which of the following statements best describes a key aspect of ne... | Practice Question
Which of the following statements best describes a key aspect of nervous system development and its outcome, as explained in the text?
A: All neurons formed during embryogenesis survive to adulthood, ensuring a robust neural network.
B: Synaptic pruning is a process that primarily occurs in early embryonic stages and ceases completely by birth.
C: Neurons compete for survival by seeking growth-supporting factors, leading to the elimination of those that do not reach proper locations or fail to receive sufficient support.
D: The nervous system's organization is entirely predetermined by gene expression during embryogenesis, with no post-natal refinement.
Explanation
The text clearly states that 'Neurons compete for survival. Every neuron requires growth-supporting factors, which are produced in limited quantities by tissues that direct neuron growth. Neurons that don't reach the proper locations fail to receive such factors and undergo programmed cell death.' This directly supports option C.