What major biological process marks adolescence and what are two typical physical changes?

What major biological process marks adolescence and what are two typical physical changes?

• A. Puberty; growth spurts and development of secondary sexual characteristics.
• B. Growth spurts and increased height, with sleep disturbances.
• C. Development of primary sexual characteristics only.
• D. Maturation of the cortex; improved motor coordination.

Answer: (A)

Puberty is the biological process that marks adolescence. It happens as hormones rise, prompting the body to mature biologically for reproduction and bringing a range of physical changes. The two typical changes are growth spurts, where height increases rapidly as the skeleton and muscles develop, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and menstruation in girls or voice deepening and facial/body hair in boys. These changes occur because estrogen and testosterone levels rise during puberty, signaling the body to mature beyond childhood. Other options miss the mark because they either describe only part of puberty, focus on brain development or non-defining features, or pair growth with sleep issues rather than with the clear signs of sexual maturation.

Puberty is the biological process that marks adolescence. It happens as hormones rise, prompting the body to mature biologically for reproduction and bringing a range of physical changes. The two typical changes are growth spurts, where height increases rapidly as the skeleton and muscles develop, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and menstruation in girls or voice deepening and facial/body hair in boys. These changes occur because estrogen and testosterone levels rise during puberty, signaling the body to mature beyond childhood. Other options miss the mark because they either describe only part of puberty, focus on brain development or non-defining features, or pair growth with sleep issues rather than with the clear signs of sexual maturation.