Question

Eva was 9 years old when she started to develop breasts, which is a _____________. Then, at age 12 , Eva began menstruation, which is a __________. a. sign of maturation; sign of puberty b. sign of puberty; sign of maturation c. primary sex characteristic; secondary sex characteristic d. secondary sex characteristic; primary sex characteristic

Short answer

d. secondary sex characteristic; primary sex characteristic

Step-by-step solution

Define maturation

Maturation is the process of becoming mature or fully developed in the body or mind. In this context, it usually refers to the development of sexual organs and characteristics.

Define puberty

Puberty is the specific stage in life when a person starts developing sexual characteristics, as a result of hormonal changes in the body, ultimately leading to the ability to reproduce.

Define primary and secondary sex characteristics

Primary sex characteristics are the physical and physiological traits related to the reproductive system that appear during puberty (e.g., growth of sexual organs, menstruation). Secondary sex characteristics are traits that do not directly involve the reproductive system but still distinguish between male and female (e.g., breasts, facial hair).

Identify the correct terms for each event

- Developing breasts at age 9 is a secondary sex characteristic, as it does not directly involve the reproductive system. - Starting menstruation at age 12 is a primary sex characteristic, as it is directly related to the reproductive system and the onset of puberty.

Choose the correct answer

Based on the definitions and identifications in previous steps, the correct answer is: d. secondary sex characteristic; primary sex characteristic

Key concepts

Maturation

Maturation is a fundamental concept that represents the process of growing and developing to a fully mature state. This can apply to both the body and the mind, encompassing the entirety of our development as human beings. When we talk about maturation, we're looking at how children gradually become adults, not just in size, but in mental and emotional capacities too.
In the context of physical maturation, though, it is particularly concerned with the body's readiness for reproduction. This involves the development of features that support reproductive functions, such as the growth and function of organs and the establishment of the hormonal systems that drive puberty.

• Maturation includes internal growth like the development of the brain and internal organs.
• It is also marked by visible changes such as increasing height, external body shape changes, and hair growth.
• Notably, it involves gaining the ability to have children once primary sex characteristics are fully developed.

Overall, maturation is a holistic process, tying together a range of physical, mental, and emotional developments that lead to adulthood.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Primary sex characteristics are the traits essential to reproduction. These characteristics become evident during puberty, thanks to hormonal changes. They are directly involved with or support the reproductive process, hence the term 'primary'.
These characteristics include the development of reproductive organs, which are the main components of the reproductive system.

• For females, primary sex characteristics include the development of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and the onset of menstruation.
• For males, this involves the growth of testes, penis, and the ability to produce sperm.
• The hormonal changes regulate these developments and trigger the body’s ability to reproduce.

Because these features are directly linked to reproduction, they are what enable the possibility of having offspring, making them "primary" in nature.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Secondary sex characteristics are often the more visibly noticeable changes that arise during puberty but are not directly related to the reproductive system. While these characteristics are influenced by hormonal changes, they mainly distinguish physical differences between sexes and contribute to sexual maturity externally.
These characteristics include a variety of bodily changes and developments:

• For girls, secondary sex characteristics include breast development, wider hips, and a change in body fat distribution.
• For boys, this involves the appearance of facial hair, broader shoulders, and a deeper voice.
• Both genders experience changes like the growth of pubic and underarm hair, and increased perspiration.

These changes can serve social purposes or improve attractiveness to potential mates, but they are secondary because they are not necessary for reproduction itself. Rather, they signal sexual maturation broadly and can play a role in gender identity.