Chapter 3 Understanding Human Development 63
Many other aspects of physical development are happening at the
same time. These are often referred to as motor skills, since they depend on
increasing strength and coordination of muscles. Gross-motor skills, such
as walking and throwing, depend on development of the large muscles,
including those in the arms, legs, back, and shoulders. Fine-motor skills,
such as picking up objects and eating with a spoon, depend on develop-
ment of the small muscles, such as those in the hands and wrists, 3-1.
Beyond infancy, physical development continues, but the skills and abili-
ties become more complex.
Cognitive Development
Humans are able to think. Thinking takes many forms. You know
your locker combination. You sense what is happening around you. You
memorize facts for a test and try to recall them during a test. You organize
3-1
Physical
development during
the first years of life
is dramatic.