Briefly describe the major events of puberty, and discuss the impact of the timing of the onset of puberty in males and females

What will be an ideal response?

Puberty is the stage during which sexual functions reach maturity, marking the beginning of adolescence. It is during puberty that the primary sex characteristics, the structures necessary for reproduction, develop fully. In females, the onset of puberty is signaled by menarche ? the fist occurrence of menstruation. In males, it is signaled by spermarche - the first occurrence of ejaculation.

Puberty is occurring at younger ages compared to previous generations; explanations for this trend include improvements in nutrition and medical care. The timing of puberty varies individually (12-13 for girls is typical, 13-14 for boys). Studies of early maturers versus late maturers indicate that there are sex differences in effects of early versus late maturation, with early-maturing girls and late-maturing boys having greater risk for psychological problems and social difficulties.