In Rosenzweig's study, enriched environments led to what difference in the cerebral cortex compared with impoverished conditions?

In Rosenzweig's study, enriched environments led to what difference in the cerebral cortex compared with impoverished conditions?

• A. Heavier and thicker cortex
• B. Lighter cortex
• C. No difference
• D. Faster aging

Answer: (A)

In brain plasticity, experience can shape the structure of the cortex. In Rosenzweig's study, rats raised in enriched environments developed more cortical tissue than those in impoverished conditions. The richer environment stimulates growth of dendrites and more synapses, leading to a thicker, heavier cortex. This shows how environmental complexity can physically upregulate cortical development. The other options don’t fit because the observed change is not a lighter cortex, not no difference, and not related to aging in this context—the cortex actually becomes heavier and thicker with enrichment.

In brain plasticity, experience can shape the structure of the cortex. In Rosenzweig's study, rats raised in enriched environments developed more cortical tissue than those in impoverished conditions. The richer environment stimulates growth of dendrites and more synapses, leading to a thicker, heavier cortex. This shows how environmental complexity can physically upregulate cortical development. The other options don’t fit because the observed change is not a lighter cortex, not no difference, and not related to aging in this context—the cortex actually becomes heavier and thicker with enrichment.