Simplify what the following stage means or focuses on in two sentences

Question

1.5.2 Continuity or Discontinuity?
The core question concerning this issue is whether human development is a
continuous (gradual and smooth) or a discontinuous process (abrupt and occurring in
distinct steps or stages). In other words, is development gradual like the steady growth of
a tree, or is it comparable with the distinct stages during which a caterpillar changes into
a butterfly?
There seems to be enough evidence to conclude that both these viewpoints are
correct, depending on the type of behaviour. For example, the gradual way in which children
learn to talk, express themselves as their vocabulary expands, and develop cognitively, is
practical evidence that the continuity viewpoint holds water to a certain extent. On the
other hand, the relatively sudden hormonal changes that lead to sexual maturation during
adolescence show that the discontinuity viewpoint is also valid.
Another interesting aspect of the continuity-discontinuity issue is whether the early characteristics of children continue into their later life as adults. In other words, is later
behaviour predictable if the predictions are based on a child's early behaviour? For
example, will the quiet and obedient child also be a quiet and obedient adolescent and
adult? What about the child who is an outstanding sportsperson or scholar? Will they
still be outstanding in later life? Regardless of what is reflected in the popular media and
believed by many, it is not easy at all to predict future human behaviour. From experience,
you will know how many of your friends whom you have not seen for many years have
changed, even to the extent that you have nothing in common anymore. On the other hand,
it is equally true that you often run into old friends that have not changed, who are 'just the
same as always'. A good guideline is that past and present behaviour is the best predictor
of future behaviour — but this does not imply that it is fully reliable. As mentioned before,
human behaviour is just too complex and unique to be represented in a rigid formula.

Answer 1

This stage examines whether human development occurs gradually or in distinct stages, suggesting that both perspectives are applicable depending on the type of behavior. It also explores the predictability of future behaviors based on early characteristics, highlighting the complexity and variability of human development.