Briefly explain the process of "synaptic pruning."

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Babies are born with many more neurons than they need, and although synapses are formed throughout life based on experiences, the billions of new synapses that are formed in the first two years of life are more numerous than necessary. Therefore, the brain has the capability of "pruning down" unnecessary neurons based on the infant's experiences in the world. The unnecessary neurons eventually die out, which increases the efficiency of the nervous system. The result of synaptic pruning is to allow established neurons to build more elaborate communication networks with other neurons.