Which of the following is a factor that impacts brain development?

• A. The number of pets in the household
• B. The color of classroom walls
• C. Exposure to environmental toxins during early childhood
• D. The brand of shoes a child wears

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept in the question, which is 'factors that impact brain development.' Brain development is influenced by biological, environmental, and social factors.
2. Evaluate each option by considering whether it has a scientifically supported effect on brain development. For example, exposure to environmental toxins is known to affect neurological growth and function.
3. Understand that factors like the number of pets in the household or the color of classroom walls are generally not linked to direct changes in brain development based on current psychological and neuroscientific research.
4. Recognize that the brand of shoes a child wears is unrelated to brain development, as it does not influence neurological or cognitive processes.
5. Conclude that among the options, 'Exposure to environmental toxins during early childhood' is the factor that impacts brain development because toxins can interfere with brain growth and cognitive function during critical developmental periods.