Final answer:
The adolescent growth spurt occurs at different times for males and females, with females starting and finishing earlier than males. This leads to differences in adult height and body composition between the sexes, influenced by hormonal changes during puberty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adolescent growth spurt is a significant phase of rapid physical development that occurs during puberty. Contrary to the statement that it occurs at the same time for both males and females, the timing actually differs between the two biological sexes. In females, this period usually begins earlier, roughly between the ages 8 and 13, leading them to reach their adult height generally by age 15. In comparison, males start their growth spurt a little later, usually between ages 10 and 16, continuing until about ages 13 to 17.
Throughout the adolescent growth spurt, boys and girls experience significant increases in height and weight, as well as changes in body composition and proportions. Girls tend to undergo their spurt for a shorter duration and at a slower peak rate of growth, while boys grow faster and for a longer period. A notable physical differentiation occurs, with girls gaining more body fat, particularly around the breasts and hips, and both sexes experiencing a broadening of body structure; shoulders and chest for boys, and hips and pelvis for girls.
Hormones such as growth, thyroid, and sex hormones control the adolescent growth spurt. The growth in height is indicative of the body's physical development, while the brain and other body systems also undergo significant changes during this time. The end of puberty typically results in males being about 10 centimeters (or 4 inches) taller than females, on average.