Human Sexual Development and Puberty

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Questions and Answers

At what ages does puberty typically begin for girls?

  • 10 to 14 years
  • 8 to 13 years (correct)
  • 6 to 10 years
  • 12 to 16 years

What is the significance of sex steroids during puberty?

  • They promote weight gain in both sexes.
  • They stimulate the gonads to secrete sex hormones. (correct)
  • They inhibit growth and sexual maturation.
  • They delay the onset of puberty.

Which of the following factors can cause a delay in puberty?

  • Under-nutrition (correct)
  • Psychological stress
  • Increased exercise
  • Excessive sleep

How do psychological environments affect the timing of puberty in humans?

<p>They may stimulate earlier puberty in girls. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of sexual dimorphism in humans during adolescence?

<p>Growth spurts are often gender-specific. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mating organization in polygynous species?

<p>One male has multiple females. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which social structure is usually associated with monogamous species?

<p>Nuclear family. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which species is sexual size dimorphism expected to be lowest?

<p>Bonobos. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological advantage do males generally have over females in athletic competition?

<p>Increased muscle mass and adaptations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does lack of bone mass at age 20 have on individuals?

<p>Increased risk of developing osteoporosis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sexual Size Dimorphism

Sexual size dimorphism is the difference in size between males and females of a species. It's a clue to understanding how a species organizes its mating relationships.

Promiscuous Mating System

In promiscuous societies, females freely choose multiple mates without forming lasting bonds.

Polygynous Mating System

Polygynous societies are structured around one male having multiple females.

Monogamous Mating System

Monogamous species form long-term bonds between one male and one female.

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Dimorphism and Mating Systems

Sexual size dimorphism is generally higher in polygynous and promiscuous species because males compete more fiercely for mates, favoring larger sizes.

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Puberty

The period of rapid growth and sexual maturation that occurs during adolescence, triggered by increased production of sex hormones.

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Sexual Dimorphism

The difference in physical characteristics between males and females, including body size, muscle mass, and fat distribution.

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Hypothalamus

The part of the brain that regulates the release of hormones, including those responsible for puberty. Its activity increases during adolescence.

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Sex Steroids

The hormones produced by the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) that stimulate the development of secondary sex characteristics.

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Growth Spurt

The rapid growth in height that occurs during adolescence.

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Study Notes

Adolescent Physical Development

  • Physical growth is summarized as a key aspect of adolescence
  • Puberty is described as a period of rapid growth and sexual maturation, starting between ages 8 and 13 for girls and 9 and 14 for boys.
  • Sex steroids are identified as the hormones causing puberty.
  • The growth process, according to the data, starts from the extremities towards the torso (distal-proximal development).
  • Sex differences (sexual dimorphism) exist, with males typically being taller and heavier than females by age 18.
  • The average American boy is 84% of adult height by age 12, while the average girl is 93% of adult height.
  • Average height and weight of American adolescents is tracked for comparative analysis.

Adolescent Brain Development

  • Brain maturation involves pruning of synaptic connections and strengthening of neural pathways.
  • Cognitive efficiency increases throughout adolescence.
  • Energy use by the adolescent brain is lower compared to childhood brains.
  • Glucose is the primary energy source for adult brains, whereas adolescent brains also use ketones.
  • Grey matter (clusters of cell bodies) and white matter (myelinated nerve fibers) play a role in this maturation process.
  • Parts of the brain like parietal, frontal, and temporal lobes mature at different rates.
  • Adolescent brain regions for reward and emotion develop earlier than rational thought regions.
  • Development results in an imbalance between reason and emotion.
  • Variations in brain size by sex exist, with male brains typically slightly larger (controlling for body size).

Adolescent Sleep Changes

  • Increased brain efficiency leads to reduced need for deep sleep.
  • Adenosine accumulation is partly responsible for the changes in sleep patterns.
  • Sleep homeostasis and diurnal rhythms of hormones (like melatonin) affect sleep patterns in adolescents.
  • Melatonin secretion is diminished in the evening, promoting later sleep onset.

Adolescent Nutrition

  • Increased nutritional needs coincide with the rapid growth of adolescence.
  • Iron and calcium requirements are crucial during this stage, especially for girls considering menstruation.
  • Obesity and weight issues are prevalent during adolescence.

Adolescent Health Conditions

  • Chronic conditions, such as asthma and musculoskeletal issues, are common.
  • Mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, are also prevalent.
  • Acne is a frequent issue and can impact mental health.
  • Death rates among adolescents are substantially higher compared to pre-puberty.

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