Final answer:
Girls typically begin puberty before boys, marked by breast development and menarche. Puberty in boys starts later and leads to broadened shoulders and facial hair. Height differences between adults arise from the varying puberty timelines and growth plate closure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Do Girls Tend to Hit Puberty First?
True, girls typically begin puberty before boys. The puberty process includes the growth and development of breasts and pubic hair, which starts around the age of 9 to 11 in girls. This is followed by a growth spurt and eventually menarche, the first menstrual period.
Puberty Differences in Girls and Boys
There are several ways in which puberty differs between girls and boys:
- Girls generally start puberty between the ages of 9 and 10, whereas boys start a bit later.
- Puberty in girls usually leads to the development of breasts and wider hips, while boys experience broadened shoulders and facial hair growth.
Menstruation and Menarche
Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining in females. The first menstrual period is called menarche, which typically occurs about two years after the initial signs of puberty.
Height Differences Between Males and Females
Although males and females are similar in height at the onset of puberty, by adulthood, differences in height become evident. Females are about 10 centimeters shorter on average due to the earlier onset of puberty and the associated earlier closure of growth plates in bones.