Final answer:
It is true that females typically begin puberty earlier than males and reach sexual maturity sooner. Females start puberty around 9-10 years old and males around 12 years old, with the process lasting several years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that females reach sexual maturity in about two years, with males maturing somewhat later, requires clarification. In terms of human puberty, females typically begin puberty between the ages of 9 and 10 and complete it around 14 to 16 years old. This process involves the development and maturation of both external traits like breasts and pubic hair and internal reproductive organs such as the uterus and vagina. The sequence of changes is predictable, but the timeline can vary between individuals. The onset of menstruation, known as menarche, usually takes place approximately two years after breast development begins.
For males, puberty begins later than females, generally around the age of 12, and lasts until about 18 years old. It involves the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair and a deepened voice, as well as the maturation of the male reproductive system. Therefore, while it is true that females typically reach sexual maturity earlier than males, the duration from the onset of puberty to full maturity is more than just two years for both sexes.