At term, what ability does a healthy newborn possess regarding visual tracking?

A healthy newborn at term possesses the ability to fixate on and track objects visually. This developmental milestone indicates that the baby has reached a level of neurological maturity that allows for coordinated eye movements and the ability to follow moving stimuli.

Visual tracking involves not just looking at an object but also following it with the eyes as it moves, which signifies the development of motor control and visual processing skills. This skill sets the stage for more complex visual tasks and is crucial for the baby's interaction with their environment.

The other options describe visual capabilities or perceptions that are not typically developed in a newborn at this stage. For instance, while newborns can see and respond to contrasting colors, their ability to perceive colors vividly develops over the first few months of life. Recognizing familiar faces requires more advanced processing skills that generally develop later, as does the ability to fixate solely on moving objects. Therefore, fixating and tracking objects visually at term represents a foundational component of early visual development.