Final answer:
Between ages 11 and 13, the average girl is taller than boys, as girls start their growth spurt earlier. Eventually, females end up shorter on average than males after puberty due to a shorter growth spurt and lower peak growth velocity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Between the ages of 11 and 13, the average girl is taller than boys. This is because girls typically begin their growth spurt earlier than boys, starting the adolescent growth spurt (AGS) at around ages 9 to 10, and thus they may be taller during this time. However, by the time they reach their final adult height, females are usually about 10 centimeters (or about 4 inches) shorter on average than males, due to having a shorter period of rapid growth during puberty. The growth in weight for both boys and girls during the AGS is significant, with increases in muscle, bone, and, particularly for girls, body fat. While growth in height and weight are positively correlated, it is important to note that the peak height velocity, or maximum growth rate, is lower for the average girl than for the average boy.
Answer: A. taller