Final answer:
Adult height is typically reached by the end of puberty, with females achieving it between 10 and 16 years old and males between 13 and 17 years old. Growth patterns differ between sexes due to various biological and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adult height in males and females is typically reached by the end of puberty, which occurs at different times for each sex. Females usually begin their growth spurt between 8 and 13 years old and reach their adult height between 10 and 16 years old. Males begin their growth spurt a bit later, typically between 10 and 16 years old, and tend to achieve their adult height between 13 and 17 years old. The growth trajectory in both males and females is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including nutrition and overall health.
During the growth spurt of adolescence, there is an accelerated increase in height which is illustrated by growth charts, such as Figure 23.7.5, showing the 50th percentile for the rate of increase in height in mm/month for males and females. Notably, after the age of 20, growth in height ceases and adulthood begins, marking the end of the increase in stature.
It's also noteworthy that, on average, females are approximately 13 cm (5.1 inches) shorter than males upon reaching their adult height. This difference is attributed to girls starting their growth spurt earlier, consequently having a shorter period for childhood growth before entering the growth spurt, and a lower peak height velocity compared to boys.