Very Short Answer Type Questions – Topic-wise

1. Adolescence and PubertyBasic Ideas

Definition of adolescence, puberty and age range.

• Q1. What is adolescence?

  Ans. Adolescence is the period of life between childhood and adulthood when a child gradually becomes an adult.

• Q2. What is puberty?

  Ans. Puberty is the stage during adolescence when the body becomes sexually mature and capable of reproduction.

• Q3. At what approximate age does adolescence begin?

  Ans. Adolescence generally begins around the age of 11 years.

• Q4. Till what age may adolescence continue?

  Ans. Adolescence may continue up to 18–19 years of age.

• Q5. Why are adolescents also called teenagers?

  Ans. They are called teenagers because many of these ages (13–19) end with the word “teen”.

• Q6. What is the main change that marks the onset of puberty?

  Ans. The main change is the maturation of reproductive organs and the start of the ability to reproduce.

2. Physical Changes at PubertyBody Changes

Growth spurt, body shape, voice and glands.

• Q7. What is meant by “growth spurt” at puberty?

  Ans. Growth spurt is a sudden and rapid increase in height and body size during puberty.

• Q8. Which parts of the body show maximum growth at puberty?

  Ans. Arms and legs show maximum growth and become longer at puberty.

• Q9. How does body shape change in girls at puberty?

  Ans. In girls, hips broaden and the region below the waist becomes wider, giving a rounded body shape.

• Q10. How does body shape change in boys at puberty?

  Ans. In boys, shoulders broaden, chest becomes wider and muscles develop.

• Q11. Why does a boy’s voice crack during puberty?

  Ans. A boy’s voice cracks because the voice box (larynx) grows rapidly and the voice is adjusting to a deeper tone.

• Q12. What is Adam’s apple?

  Ans. Adam’s apple is the visible bulge in the front of the throat formed by the enlarged larynx in boys.

• Q13. Name the two glands that become very active during adolescence.

  Ans. Sweat glands and sebaceous (oil) glands become very active during adolescence.

• Q14. What skin problem is commonly seen during adolescence due to overactive oil glands?

  Ans. Pimples or acne are common due to overactive sebaceous glands.

3. Secondary Sexual CharactersMale & Female

Sexual characters that appear at puberty.

• Q15. What are secondary sexual characters?

  Ans. Secondary sexual characters are features that distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction.

• Q16. Give two secondary sexual characters in boys.

  Ans. Growth of moustache and beard, and broadening of shoulders are secondary sexual characters in boys.

• Q17. Give two secondary sexual characters in girls.

  Ans. Development of breasts and broadening of hips are secondary sexual characters in girls.

• Q18. Which hormone is responsible for secondary sexual characters in boys?

  Ans. The hormone testosterone is responsible for secondary sexual characters in boys.

• Q19. Which hormone is responsible for secondary sexual characters in girls?

  Ans. The hormone oestrogen is responsible for secondary sexual characters in girls.

• Q20. Name the glands that secrete testosterone and oestrogen.

  Ans. Testes secrete testosterone and ovaries secrete oestrogen.

4. Hormones and Endocrine GlandsControl System

Definition of hormones and important glands.

• Q21. What are hormones?

  Ans. Hormones are chemical substances secreted by endocrine glands that control various body activities.

• Q22. What are endocrine glands?

  Ans. Endocrine glands are ductless glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

• Q23. Why is the pituitary gland called the “master gland”?

  Ans. The pituitary gland is called the master gland because it controls the activity of other endocrine glands.

• Q24. Which gland secretes the growth hormone?

  Ans. The pituitary gland secretes the growth hormone.

• Q25. Name the hormone secreted by the thyroid gland.

  Ans. The thyroid gland secretes the hormone thyroxine.

• Q26. Which hormone controls the sugar level in blood?

  Ans. The hormone insulin, secreted by the pancreas, controls blood sugar level.

• Q27. Which gland helps the body to handle stress and emergency situations?

  Ans. The adrenal glands help the body to handle stress and emergency situations.

• Q28. How are hormones transported in the body?

  Ans. Hormones are transported by blood to different parts of the body.

5. Reproductive Phase and MenstruationHuman Reproduction

Reproductive phase, menstrual cycle and related terms.

• Q29. What is meant by reproductive phase in humans?

  Ans. Reproductive phase is the age span during which humans are capable of reproduction.

• Q30. When does the reproductive phase begin in girls?

  Ans. In girls, the reproductive phase begins with the start of menstruation (menarche).

• Q31. What is menarche?

  Ans. Menarche is the first menstrual flow in a girl, marking the onset of puberty.

• Q32. What is menopause?

  Ans. Menopause is the natural stoppage of menstruation in women, usually around 45–50 years of age.

• Q33. What is menstruation?

  Ans. Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining along with blood through the vagina.

• Q34. How often does menstruation usually occur?

  Ans. Menstruation usually occurs once in about 28–30 days.

• Q35. Why does the uterus lining break down during menstruation?

  Ans. The uterus lining breaks down when the released egg is not fertilised.

• Q36. Is menstruation a normal process? Why?

  Ans. Yes, it is a normal natural process indicating that the girl’s body is functioning healthily.

6. Sex Determination in HumansChromosomes

Role of chromosomes in determining sex of the baby.

• Q37. How many chromosomes are present in human body cells?

  Ans. Human body cells have 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs.

• Q38. What are sex chromosomes?

  Ans. Sex chromosomes are the pair of chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual.

• Q39. What sex chromosomes does a female have?

  Ans. A female has two X chromosomes (XX).

• Q40. What sex chromosomes does a male have?

  Ans. A male has one X and one Y chromosome (XY).

• Q41. Which parent determines the sex of the child?

  Ans. The father determines the sex of the child because his sperms may carry either X or Y chromosome.

• Q42. What sex chromosomes are present in a girl child?

  Ans. A girl child has XX sex chromosomes.

• Q43. What sex chromosomes are present in a boy child?

  Ans. A boy child has XY sex chromosomes.

• Q44. Why is it wrong to blame the mother for the sex of the baby?

  Ans. It is wrong because the mother always contributes X; the father’s sperm (X or Y) decides whether the baby is a boy or a girl.

7. Health, Hygiene and Lifestyle in AdolescenceHealthy Living

Balanced diet, cleanliness, exercise and habits.

• Q45. Why is a balanced diet important for adolescents?

  Ans. A balanced diet is important because adolescents grow rapidly and need all nutrients for healthy development.

• Q46. Name two food items rich in protein for adolescents.

  Ans. Milk, pulses, eggs and meat are examples of protein-rich foods.

• Q47. Why should adolescents avoid junk food?

  Ans. They should avoid junk food because it is high in fats, low in nutrients and may cause obesity and poor health.

• Q48. Why is personal hygiene especially important during adolescence?

  Ans. It is important to prevent body odour, skin infections and diseases due to more sweating and oil secretion.

• Q49. How does regular exercise help adolescents?

  Ans. Regular exercise helps proper growth of bones and muscles, improves blood circulation and reduces stress.

• Q50. Why should adolescents say “No” to drugs and alcohol?

  Ans. They should say “No” because drugs and alcohol damage health, reduce concentration and can cause addiction.