A 13-year-old female and a 15-year-old male present for a routine health check. Based on typical growth patterns during adolescence, which statement best describes the timing of their growth spurts?

Choice A rationale This is incorrect because, while both sexes enter adolescence around the same age range, the timing of the peak growth velocity, or growth spurt, is significantly different. On average, females enter and complete their rapid growth phase much earlier than males, often resulting in temporary height differences during this period. Choice B rationale This statement accurately reflects typical adolescent growth patterns. The female growth spurt, or peak height velocity, usually occurs around age 11.5 and is largely complete by age 14 or 15. The male growth spurt occurs later, usually around age 13.5, and continues for a longer duration, often into the late teens. Choice C rationale This is incorrect. The growth spurts for both sexes typically begin and reach their peak well before age 16. The peak height velocity for most females occurs before menarche, and for most males, it coincides with the middle stages of puberty, which is between the ages of 13 and 16. Choice D rationale This statement incorrectly reverses the timing of the growth spurts. Females, on average, begin and complete their growth spurts earlier than males due to hormonal differences. The male's later and more prolonged period of rapid growth is what ultimately contributes to the greater final height differences between sexes. .