Physically, puberty involves a rapid increase in growth, development of primary sex characteristics, and

Physically, puberty involves a rapid increase in growth, development of primary sex characteristics, and

• A. Development of secondary sex characteristics
• B. Increase in psychological stress
• C. A series of public initiation rites
• D. Increases in intellectual functioning

Answer: (A)

Puberty is driven by hormones that trigger rapid physical maturation. Along with the growth spurt and the development of primary sex characteristics (the reproductive organs), puberty also brings about secondary sex characteristics—traits that signal maturation but aren’t directly needed for reproduction, such as voice deepening and facial/body hair in boys, and breast development and changes in body proportions in girls. These secondary features accompany puberty as the body becomes capable of reproduction. The other options describe experiences or cultural aspects, not the physical changes that define puberty. So, development of secondary sex characteristics is the best choice.

Puberty is driven by hormones that trigger rapid physical maturation. Along with the growth spurt and the development of primary sex characteristics (the reproductive organs), puberty also brings about secondary sex characteristics—traits that signal maturation but aren’t directly needed for reproduction, such as voice deepening and facial/body hair in boys, and breast development and changes in body proportions in girls. These secondary features accompany puberty as the body becomes capable of reproduction. The other options describe experiences or cultural aspects, not the physical changes that define puberty. So, development of secondary sex characteristics is the best choice.