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

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What type of reflex occurs when a baby is startled?

Rooting reflex
Sucking reflex
Stepping reflex
Startling reflex

The correct answer is: Startling reflex

The startling reflex, often referred to as the Moro reflex, is a response exhibited by infants when they experience a sudden loud noise or a sensation of falling. This reflex is characterized by the baby extending their arms and legs, followed by retracting them and often accompanied by crying. It is an automatic reaction aimed at safeguarding the baby in potentially threatening situations. The presence of this reflex is vital for survival in early development, as it alerts caregivers to the baby's distress or discomfort. The rooting reflex is a different involuntary reaction where a baby turns their head toward a stimulus that strokes their cheek, primarily to help find the nipple for feeding. The sucking reflex allows infants to suck and swallow, facilitating feeding, while the stepping reflex is observed when a baby is held upright with their feet touching a surface, and they appear to take steps. Each of these reflexes serves a specific purpose related to the baby’s development and interaction with its environment, but only the startling reflex directly involves the element of shock or surprise leading to the characteristic response.