OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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During what developmental stage does puberty occur?

  1. Infancy

  2. Adolescence

  3. Adulthood

  4. Childhood

The correct answer is: Adolescence

Puberty is the developmental stage characterized by a series of physical and hormonal changes that lead to sexual maturity. This process typically begins during adolescence, a period that ranges roughly from ages 10 to 19. During adolescence, individuals experience significant growth spurts, the development of secondary sexual characteristics, and changes in reproductive organs. The onset of puberty is marked by increased production of sex hormones, such as testosterone in boys and estrogen in girls, which trigger these developmental changes. This stage is crucial for the transition from childhood into adulthood, as it prepares individuals for reproductive capability. Infancy, childhood, and adulthood do not encompass the complex transformations associated with puberty. Therefore, adolescence is the correct stage during which these changes occur, making it the right answer in this context.