Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

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Prepare for the SWES Human Behavior Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Maximize your performance!

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What term is used to describe a physical characteristic that is present at birth?

Congenital
Hereditary
Innate
Acquired

The correct answer is: Congenital

The term that describes a physical characteristic that is present at birth is "congenital." This term specifically refers to conditions, traits, or characteristics that are observable at birth and can arise from various factors, including genetics and environmental influences during gestation. Congenital conditions can be inherited or may develop due to complications during pregnancy, but they are notable because they are identified upon birth. Hereditary refers to traits or conditions passed down from parents to their offspring through genes, which does overlap with congenital traits but does not necessarily mean that the characteristic is present at birth. Innate typically refers to qualities or abilities that are inherent and not necessarily visible at the moment of birth, while acquired traits develop later in life due to environmental factors or experiences. Thus, "congenital" is the most accurate term for characteristics existing at birth.