Final answer:
American adolescents are growing taller than their parents due to improvements in factors that influence growth and development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true: American adolescents are growing taller than their parents. This phenomenon is known as the secular trend in height increase. The increase in height is attributed to various factors, including improved nutrition, healthcare, and overall living conditions compared to previous generations.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that the average height of American boys aged 2-19 increased by approximately 3.1 centimeters (1.2 inches) from 1999 to 2016. Similarly, the average height of American girls aged 2-19 increased by approximately 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) during the same period.
Overall, this data suggests that American adolescents are indeed growing taller than their parents due to improvements in factors that influence growth and development.