Who among the following 5-year-olds is most likely to be the tallest?

• A. A child whose parents are both below average height
• B. A child who was born prematurely
• C. A child whose parents are both above average height
• D. A child who has experienced chronic malnutrition

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that height in children is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
2. Recognize that parental height is a strong genetic predictor of a child's eventual height, as height tends to run in families.
3. Consider that being born prematurely can affect early growth, often leading to shorter stature initially, though some catch up later.
4. Acknowledge that chronic malnutrition negatively impacts growth and can result in stunted height regardless of genetic potential.
5. Conclude that among the options, a child whose parents are both above average height is most likely to be the tallest due to genetic inheritance.