Final answer:
Teens' inclination towards risk-taking is attributed to biological factors and evolutionary benefits. Their development mirrors adult-like cognition but with different values leading to increased risks. The process of achieving independence and identity formation during adolescence is often accompanied by emotional and hormonal changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Teens are often recognized for their inherent inclination to take risks. This tendency is not just behavioral; it's also influenced by biological factors during adolescence. Scientific evidence suggests there may be an evolutionary benefit to this increased propensity for risk-taking.
As teens develop the ability to think like adults and evaluate risks and rewards, their different values and search for independence can lead them to take more risks. This is part of their process of establishing a sense of self and gaining autonomy from their parents. Emotional changes and varying hormone levels contribute to these behavioral tendencies, which are also reinforced by peer interactions and social norms.
The myth versus reality feature helps clarify that not all commonly held ideas about teens are accurate, such as the misconception that teens can consume any amount of food without gaining weight, simply because they're growing.