Our increased ability to control bodily movement as we grow is known as _____.

• A. Motor growth
• B. Motor development
• C. Development
• D. Aging

Answer: (B)

As movement skills emerge and become more refined, what’s being described is motor development. This term captures the progression and improvement of movement control over time as the nervous system and muscles mature and as a person gains experience and practice. Early on, babies show simple reflexes; with growth, they develop control to sit, crawl, stand, and walk, and later refine fine motor tasks like writing or tying shoes. It isn’t just about getting bigger or stronger, but about how movement becomes smoother, more coordinated, and purposeful through development.

Motor growth would focus more on physical size or strength increases, which doesn’t specifically address the gain in movement control. Development is a broader idea and would apply to many areas beyond movement. Aging implies a decline in movement control later in life, not the gains seen during growth. So the best fit for increased movement control as we grow is motor development.