Page 1 - 2.Lesson Notes-Adolescence and puberty - Copy

SAI International School
Subject- Biology, Class-VIII
Topic- Reaching the age of adolescence
Subtopic- Adolescence and puberty
Module- 18
Lesson Notes

(a) Adolescence
 It is a time period in life when the body leads to reproductive maturity and

experiences some changes.
 This time period may vary in different individuals.

 The adolescence period includes the teenage and therefore adolescents are often
called Teenagers as well.

Adolescence refers to the period of human growth that occurs between childhood and
adulthood. It begins at the age of 11 and ends around age 19.

Adolescent Period in Begins at age around Ends at age around

Boys 11 years 18 or 19 years

Girls 10 or 11 years 18 or 19 years

(b) Puberty:-During adolescence the body undergoes several changes and becomes
capable of reproduction. These changes are the beginning of puberty.

 Puberty ends when an adolescent reaches reproductive maturity.
 Puberty tends to start earlier in girls (females) than in boys (males).
Generally girls attain puberty at a lower age of 10-12 yrs.