In early development, which sequence describes tone dominance?

• A. Flexion dominates then extension
• B. Extension dominates then flexion
• C. Flexion and extension equally dominate throughout
• D. No systematic pattern in tone development

Answer: (A)

In early development, there is a flexor bias first, with the limbs resting in flexed positions and flexor muscle tone being more prominent. As the nervous system matures, extensor tone increases, enabling anti-gravity control and the emergence of head control, rolling, and upright postures. So the sequence described—flexion dominates initially, then extension dominates as development progresses—matches how motor tone typically evolves. The other patterns don’t fit this developmental trajectory: starting with extension would contradict newborn postures, and claiming equal dominance or no systematic pattern ignores the well-established progression from flexion to extension as infants grow.