Which statement describes the onset of puberty?

• A. Onset of secondary sexual characteristics
• B. Decrease in hair growth
• C. Decrease in blood pressure
• D. Loss of reflexes

Answer: (A)

Puberty begins with hormones that drive sexual maturation, leading to the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics—visible physical changes that signal the body is becoming capable of reproduction. The statement about the onset of secondary sexual characteristics is the best description because these changes (like pubic hair growth, breast development in girls, voice changes and facial hair in boys) are the classic, observable signs that puberty has started. Other options don’t fit: puberty generally involves increased hair growth rather than a decrease; blood pressure changes are not a defining feature of puberty onset; reflexes aren’t a marker of puberty beginning.