Question

Which of the following changes occur in females at puberty?
A) Ovulation
B) Deepening of voice
C) Broadening of pelvis
D) Both (A) and (C)

Answer 1

Hint: Puberty is the process of sexual maturation in human beings. It is stimulated and initiated by hormones. Specific hormones released from the pituitary gland act on ovaries in females and testes in males. The process involves physical changes and growth of gonads and secondary sexual characteristics. The pubertal changes in males are different from that of females.

Complete answer:
Ovulation is the process of release of an egg or ovum from the ovaries in females. It is a part of a monthly cycle known as Menstrual cycle. It occurs exclusively in females. The menstrual cycle starts at the onset of puberty in females. The female ovaries comprise follicle at different stages of maturation. One follicle matures every month and is released from the ovary. If sperms are present, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube followed by implantation in the uterus. However, in absence of sperms, the egg travels down to the uterus and disintegrates. This is accompanied by the shedding of the uterine wall and discharge of blood through the vagina. This entire process is about 28 days.
Deepening of voice at puberty occurs in males but not in females. Sex hormones called androgens influence the development of the voice box or larynx that causes deepening of male voice.
Broadening of pelvis occurs in females at puberty. This process occurs under the influence of estrogen – a hormone released from the ovaries in females. The pelvis or the lower trunk broadens in order to widen the birth canal.
Therefore, we can conclude that ovulation and broadening of pelvis are typical changes that occur in females at puberty.

Hence, option (D) is correct.

Note: At a certain age of children, both male and female, hormones activate the gonads. This activation causes sexual maturity in them. The gonads release sexual hormones that causes the testes to release sperms in males and the ovaries to release ovum. In biological terms this process is known as puberty. It is accompanied by development of secondary sexual characteristics like development of breasts, broadening of pelvis and onset of menstruation in females, while deepening of voice, growth of beard, body hairs and pubic hairs in males.