What term refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience?

Study for the New CED - Biological Basis of Behavior Exam. Test your understanding with detailed questions and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

The term that refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience is neuroplasticity. This concept encompasses the brain's remarkable capacity to reorganize itself, form new connections, and modify existing structures in response to learning, environmental changes, and various experiences throughout an individual's life.

Neuroplasticity is crucial for recovery after brain injuries, learning new skills, and adapting to new environments. It indicates that the brain is not static but rather dynamic and responsive, allowing for functional adjustments that enhance or diminish capabilities based on usage and experience.

Neurogenesis, while related to the growth of new neurons, specifically refers to the process of generating new brain cells rather than the overall adaptability of existing neural circuits. Synaptogenesis pertains to the formation of synapses between neurons and is a component of neuroplasticity but does not encompass the broader ability of the brain to adapt to experiences. Neurodevelopment refers to the growth and maturation of the nervous system, focusing more on developmental stages rather than the adaptive changes associated with learning and experience. This makes neuroplasticity the most accurate choice to describe the brain's adaptability.

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