1. What are the three stages of prenatal development and what are the

main events that occur in each stage?

Answer: The three stages of prenatal development are the germinal stage,

the embryonic stage, and the fetal stage. In the germinal stage, which lasts

from conception to about two weeks, the fertilized egg (zygote) divides

and forms a ball of cells (blastocyst) that implants in the uterine wall. In

the embryonic stage, which lasts from about two to eight weeks, the major

organs and systems of the body begin to form and the embryo becomes

responsive to external stimuli. In the fetal stage, which lasts from about

nine weeks until birth, the fetus grows rapidly and matures in preparation

for delivery.

Rationale: This question tests the students' knowledge of the basic stages

and events of prenatal development, which are important for

understanding the physical and biological foundations of human

development.

2. What are some of the environmental influences that can affect prenatal

development and what are some of the potential outcomes of exposure to

these influences?

Answer: Some of the environmental influences that can affect prenatal

development include maternal nutrition, stress, infections, drugs, alcohol,

tobacco, and other teratogens. These influences can have various effects

on prenatal development, such as low birth weight, premature birth,

congenital anomalies, fetal alcohol syndrome, behavioral problems,

cognitive impairments, and increased risk of diseases later in life.

Rationale: This question tests the students' understanding of how prenatal

development can be influenced by factors outside the genetic code and

how these factors can have short-term and long-term consequences for the

developing child.