OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What response does a baby exhibit when the grasping reflex is triggered?

  1. Moves head towards stimulus

  2. Spreads arms and legs

  3. Grip gets stronger as you pull away

  4. Starts to suck

The correct answer is: Grip gets stronger as you pull away

When the grasping reflex is triggered in a baby, the correct response is that the grip gets stronger as you pull away. This reflex is an involuntary response that occurs when an object is placed in a baby's hand or fingers. The baby's natural instinct is to grasp tightly, and when a force is applied—such as gently pulling the object away—the baby will reflexively squeeze tighter, demonstrating their instinctual grip strength. This response is crucial for the infant's development and survival, as it encourages bonding and interaction, as well as aiding in their ability to hold onto caregivers. The other options do not accurately describe the specific mechanics of the grasping reflex. The response of moving the head towards a stimulus relates more to reflexes associated with visual or auditory stimuli. Spreading arms and legs could pertain to other reflexes, such as the Moro reflex, which is a reaction to a sensation of falling. Starting to suck is part of the sucking reflex, which is different from the grasping reflex and involves a different stimulus altogether.