Maturation: Defining Development Driven by Genetics

The question asks about changes in behaviour that happen solely due to maturation. Maturation refers to the natural sequence of physical and behavioral changes that occur as a result of growth and development, largely influenced by our genetic makeup. It's about the unfolding of biological potential over time. Let's break down why genetic disposition is the correct answer:

• Maturation vs. Learning: Maturation is an internal process guided by genetics, leading to developmental milestones like walking or talking. Learning, on the other hand, results from experiences and instruction (training).
• Role of Genetic Disposition: Our genes hold the blueprint for our development. They dictate the timing and nature of maturation processes, influencing when certain abilities or behaviours emerge. For instance, the ability to walk typically emerges within a certain age range for most humans because of the genetically programmed development of muscles, bones, and the nervous system. Changes happening purely because of this biological unfolding are attributed to genetic disposition.
• Excluding Other Factors: The question emphasizes changes happening *exclusively* because of maturation. This means we need to exclude factors like training (which involves active teaching or practice) and experiences (which involve interaction with the environment). While experiences can influence *how* or *when* a maturational change manifests, the fundamental capacity for change due to maturation itself stems from our genes.

Analyzing Options in Relation to Maturation

Let's look at why the other options are less suitable:

• A) Training: Training involves deliberate instruction or practice. Behavioural changes resulting from training are learned behaviours, not changes that occur solely due to the natural process of maturation. For example, learning to ride a bike requires training, not just reaching a certain age.
• C) Experiences: Experiences refer to events and interactions that shape an individual. While experiences often interact with maturation (e.g., a child needs exposure to language to develop speech), changes *exclusively* due to maturation are those that would happen even with minimal or no specific external experiences related to that behaviour, driven purely by biological readiness.
• B) Genetic Disposition: As explained above, genetic disposition provides the underlying biological foundation and timeline for maturation. Changes in behaviour that are a direct result of reaching developmental readiness, irrespective of specific training or environmental input, are fundamentally driven by our genetic programming.

Conclusion on Behaviour Change and Maturation

Therefore, behavioural changes that occur *exclusively* because of maturation are a result of the inherent biological timetable and potential provided by one's genetic disposition. The correct option correctly identifies this link.