NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 7 - Reaching the Age of Adolescence

1. What  is the term used for secretions of endocrine glands responsible for changes taking place in the body?

Ans: Hormone is that the term used for secretions of endocrine glands responsible for changes happening within the body. The changes which occur in adolescence are controlled by these chemical substances called hormones.

2. Define adolescence.

Ans: Adolescence is the age period of life when the human body undergoes many changes, and this period also will lead to reproductive maturity. This begins from the age of 11 and lasts up to 18 or 19. This age may vary from individual to individual. Adolescents are also called teenagers as this period covers the teens that are 13 to 18 or 19 years of age.

3. What is menstruation? Explain.

Ans: Menstruation occurs in the female after puberty once in about 28 to 30 days. 

Every month, an ovary produces an egg and the uterus is prepared for implantation. During this, the wall of the uterus becomes thick so it receives the egg, just in case it’s fertilized and begins to develop. This results in pregnancy. If fertilization doesn’t occur, this causes bleeding in women which are named menstruation. This happens because of the released egg, and the thickened lining of the uterus along with its blood vessels are shed off. This lasts for 3 to 5 days in a healthy female and this process occurs every month so called as Menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones. Menarche is the first menstrual flow that begins at puberty. The stoppage of menstruation is called menopause this happens at 45 to 50 years of age.

4. List changes in the body that take place at puberty.

Ans: 

Changes at puberty:

• Increase in height.

• Change in body shape.

• Voice change. Changing the pharynx leads to a slight deepening of voice for girls and much deeper in boys.

• Increased Activity of Sweat and Sebaceous Glands. The appearance of facial and pubic hair in boys, while the development of mammary glands in girls is observed.

• Development of Sex Organs. Testis grows and starts producing mature sperms while ovaries start the menstrual cycle to produce eggs.

• Reaching Mental, Intellectual and Emotional Maturity.

5. Prepare a table having two columns depicting names of endocrine glands and hormones secreted by them.

Ans:

Table showing names of endocrine glands and hormones secreted by them is as below,

6. What are sex hormones? Why are they named so? State their function.

Ans: 

• The sex hormones, which are produced by the sex organs. The sex organs in males are the testis and for females, it is the ovaries.

• Testis produces testosterone as a male sex hormone while estrogen is the female sex hormone.

• The function of testosterone: Growth of facial and pubic hairs, deepening of voice, development of reproductive organs etc.

• The function of estrogen: Breast enlargement, change in voice, development of reproductive organs etc.

7. Choose the correct option.

(i) Adolescents should be careful about what they eat, because

• a proper diet develops their brains.

• a proper diet is needed for the rapid growth taking place in their body.

• adolescents feel hungry all the time.

• taste buds are well developed in teenagers.

Ans: 

(ii) Adolescents should be careful about what they eat because a proper diet is needed for the rapid growth taking place in their body.

• Reproductive age in women starts when their

• menstruation starts.

• breasts start developing.

• body weight increases.

• height increases.

Ans: 

(i) Reproductive age in women starts when their menstruation starts.

(a) The right meal for adolescents consists of

• chips, noodles, coke.

• chapati, dal, vegetables.

• rice, noodles and burger.

• vegetable cutlets, chips and lemon drink.

Ans: 

(ii) The right meal for adolescents consists of chapati, dal, vegetables.

8. Write notes on −

(a) Adam’s apple.

Ans: The larynx or voice box in males begins to grow at puberty. . Boys develop larger voice boxes than girls so boys will have a deep voice. In males, the growing voice box may be seen as a protruding part of the throat which is called Adam’s apple.

(b) Secondary sexual characters.

Ans: These are those characteristics that help in distinguishing male and female. The characteristics developed during the time of puberty.

In Male:

• The appearance of mustache, beard, chest hair.

• Deepening of voice.

• Hair growth in the pubic and other parts of the skin. 

In Female:

• Increasing the size of the breast and hips

• Growth of hair at pubic and other parts of the skin.

• Sex determination in the unborn baby.

Ans: Sex determination can be done based on the sex chromosome that fuses together to make the zygote. Every individual has 23 pairs (46 individuals) of chromosomes whether male or female. Out of that 23 pairs, 22 pairs are the same for both males and females. The last one is called as sex chromosome. In the male sex, the chromosome is XY while in the female sex chromosome is XX. During gamete formation the male produces two types of gametes X gamete and Y gametes while the female produces two X gametes.

So, during fusion females will always give 22+X always while males can give 22+X or 22+Y.

Depending on which one fuses with 22+X (given by female) the sex of the unborn baby is decided.

22+X (F) + 22+X (M) = girl child 

22+X (F) + 22+Y (M) = boy child

So, X and Y chromosome is the deciding factor for the sex of the unborn kid.

9. Word game: Use the clues to work out the words. Across

• Protruding voice box in boys

• Glands without ducts

• Endocrine gland attached to the brain

• Secretion of endocrine glands

• Pancreatic hormone

• Female hormone Down

• Male hormone

• Secretes thyroxine

• Another term for teenage

• Hormone reaches here through the bloodstream

• Voicebox

• Term for changes at adolescence

Ans: 

Across

• Adam’s Apple

• Endocrine

• Pituitary

• Hormone

• Insulin

• Estrogen

Down

• Testosterone

• Thyroid

• Adolescence

• Target Site

• Larynx

• Puberty

10. The table below shows the data on the likely heights of boys and girls as they grow in age. Draw graphs showing height and age for both boys and girls on the same graph paper. What conclusions can be drawn from these graphs?

Ans: 

Image: Graph showing height and age for both boys and girls.

The graph depicts the relation between the age and height for both boys and girls. During puberty, there’s a sudden increase in height of both boys and girls. Based on the above graph, it can be observed that during the age of 4-8 years, girls have less height as compared to boys. However, as soon as girls reach 12- 13 years, their height shows a sudden increase which is more than boys. In later years, growth in both boys and girls becomes stable. Growth during puberty is under the control of hormones.

NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 7 Quick Overview  of Detailed Structure of Topics

Ch 7 Science Class 8 - Important Points

• Adolescence is the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood.

• Physical Changes:

• Puberty marks the onset of adolescence, during which secondary sexual characteristics develop.

• These changes include the growth of facial and body hair, changes in voice pitch, and the development of reproductive organs.

• Emotional Changes:

• Adolescents experience a wide range of emotions, including mood swings, confusion, and heightened sensitivity.

• Peer pressure and social acceptance become significant influences on behaviour and decision-making.

• Psychological Changes:

• Adolescents undergo cognitive development, including the ability to think abstractly and critically.

• They explore their identity, values, and beliefs, often questioning authority and societal norms.

• Reproductive Health Education:

• Education on reproductive health and hygiene becomes essential during adolescence.

• Topics such as menstruation, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and contraception are covered to promote awareness and responsible behaviour.

• Importance of Nutrition and Exercise:

• Proper nutrition and regular exercise are crucial for healthy adolescent growth and development.

• Balanced diets rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals support physical and cognitive development, while exercise promotes overall fitness and well-being.

• Mental Health Awareness:

• Addressing mental health issues becomes important during adolescence, as stress, anxiety, and depression may arise due to academic pressures, social challenges, or personal conflicts.

• Encouraging open communication and seeking professional support when needed can help adolescents cope with mental health challenges.

• Adolescent Rights and Responsibilities:

• Adolescents have rights to education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation and abuse.

• With rights come responsibilities, including respecting oneself and others, making informed decisions, and contributing positively to society.

Benefits of Vedantu’s NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 7 Question Answer

• Reaching the Age of Adolescence Class 8 PDF offers comprehensive explanations and solutions to the questions posed in the chapter. This helps students grasp the concepts related to adolescence, growth, and changes in the human body.

• The structured format of Class 8 Science Chapter 7 PDF enables students to navigate through different sections effortlessly.

• Reaching the Age of Adolescence Question Answer delves into various aspects of adolescence, including physical and emotional changes, reproductive health, and the importance of hygiene during this transitional phase. 

• Reaching the Age of Adolescence Class 8 includes practice questions and exercises, allowing students to assess their understanding and reinforce their learning. 

• Reaching the Age of Adolescence Class 8 Questions Answers aligns with the CBSE curriculum, ensuring students cover all the essential topics and concepts required for their academic year.

Related Study Materials for Class 8 Science Chapter 7 - Reaching the Age of Adolescence

Conclusion

Vedantu’s NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 7: "Reaching The Age Of Adolescence" is an essential guide for students navigating the complexities of adolescence. These solutions offer clear explanations and step-by-step guidance, helping students understand important topics like physical and emotional changes during adolescence, reproductive health, and personal hygiene. Focusing on understanding the physiological changes and the significance of reproductive health education is crucial. Previous year question papers typically include 6-8 questions from this chapter, emphasising the importance of thorough preparation using these solutions to ace exams and gain a deeper insight into this transformative stage of life.

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