Question

the expression \it takes two babies to make one adult\ refers to
the emphasis on heterosexual relationships among puritans
the need for two children to adequately financially support one parent
high infant mortality rates among puritans
the desire for large families among puritans
the definition of parenthood as a rite of passage to adulthood

Explanation:

Analyze the historical expression

Using the Colonial Childbirth Customs and Social History knowledge points, we examine the demographic realities of seventeenth-century New England. The historical phrase "it takes two babies to make one adult" directly reflects the high rate of childhood mortality, where approximately half of all children did not survive to reach adulthood.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1 focuses on heterosexual relationships, which is irrelevant to the literal survival rate of offspring.
• Option 2 discusses financial support, which does not match the demographic meaning of the expression.
• Option 3 correctly identifies the high infant and child mortality rates that necessitated multiple births for family continuation.
• Option 4 describes the desire for large families, which is a cultural preference rather than the direct meaning of the survival ratio.
• Option 5 discusses parenthood as a rite of passage, which does not explain the numerical ratio of babies to adults.

Answer:

• (A) the emphasis on heterosexual relationships among Puritans
• (B) the need for two children to adequately financially support one parent
• (C) high infant mortality rates among Puritans (Correct answer)
• (D) the desire for large families among Puritans
• (E) the definition of parenthood as a rite of passage to adulthood