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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains why the length of human pregnancies from conception to birth varies among individuals?
A
Genetic and environmental factors influence the duration of pregnancy.
B
The length of pregnancy is determined solely by the mother's age.
C
Pregnancy length is fixed and does not vary among individuals.
D
All human pregnancies last exactly 40 weeks.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem is asking why the length of human pregnancies varies among individuals. This requires analyzing biological factors that influence pregnancy duration.
Step 1: Recognize that human pregnancies are not fixed in duration. While the average length is approximately 40 weeks, individual pregnancies can vary due to multiple factors.
Step 2: Consider genetic factors: Genetic differences between individuals can influence the timing of labor and delivery. For example, genes related to fetal development or maternal health may play a role.
Step 3: Consider environmental factors: External influences such as maternal nutrition, stress levels, access to healthcare, and exposure to toxins can also affect pregnancy duration.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options: The statement 'Pregnancy length is fixed and does not vary among individuals' is incorrect because variation is observed. Similarly, 'All human pregnancies last exactly 40 weeks' is incorrect because it oversimplifies the biological variability. The statement 'The length of pregnancy is determined solely by the mother's age' is also incorrect because age is only one of many factors.