Development is a continuous process that begins at

• A. Conception
• B. Birth
• C. Infancy
• D. Puberty

Answer: (A)

Development is a continuous process that begins at conception. From fertilization, when the sperm and egg join to form a zygote, cells start dividing and differentiating to build all the tissues and organs. This prenatal period—encompassing the germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages—establishes the foundations for physical growth, brain development, and later cognitive and social skills. Birth, infancy, and puberty are important stages that occur after conception, but the entire trajectory of development traces back to that initial moment of conception.