What aspect of development is highlighted by the concept of plasticity?

The correct answer focuses on the concept of plasticity, which emphasizes the capacity for change and adaptation throughout a person's life. This concept is fundamental in developmental psychology, as it recognizes that development is not fixed but rather influenced by a variety of factors, including life experiences, environments, and individual choices.

Plasticity suggests that individuals can develop new skills, adapt to new circumstances, and even change their behaviors at various stages of life. This contrasts with ideas of rigidity in developmental stages, where growth is seen as linear and inevitable. While the universal sequence of development acknowledges common patterns among people, it does not account for the variability in the pace and nature of changes that plasticity entails. Additionally, plasticity supports the view that both heredity and environment play significant roles in development, highlighting that neither dominates but rather interacts dynamically throughout a person's life. Thus, the ability to change is the core element of plasticity that makes this answer accurate.