In middle school physical growth, puberty timing is typically...

• A. Females about 11, males about 14.
• B. Females 14, males 11.
• C. Both genders reach puberty at exactly 12.
• D. Puberty timing is not noticeable.

Answer: (A)

Puberty timing varies, but a common pattern in early adolescence is that girls begin earlier than boys. In middle school years, many girls show signs around age 11, while many boys begin a bit later, around age 13–14. This reflects how hormonal changes drive development at different paces for the two genders. The statement that girls typically start around 11 and boys around 14 aligns with that general pattern. Other options conflict with this observed sequence (either reversing who starts first, claiming everyone starts at the same time, or suggesting changes aren’t noticeable).