Question

Explain the factors affecting growth and development.

Answer 1

1. Heredity: Transmits innate traits from parents, including body structure, height, weight, intelligence, temperament, and aptitudes.
2. Environment: Physical, social, and psychological surroundings influence a person’s health, learning, behaviour, and opportunities.
3. Gender: Growth patterns and body composition differ; girls generally begin the adolescent growth spurt earlier than boys.
4. Nutrition: Adequate, balanced nutrition supports normal physical and functional development. Malnutrition can impair both.
5. Exercise: Regular physical activity supports the development and strength of muscles and helps improve physical functioning.
6. Hormones: Hormones regulate growth and the activity of body systems. For example, thyroxin influences skeletal and muscular growth.
7. Learning and reinforcement: Practice, activity, and feedback help develop physical, mental, social, and other skills.
8. Pollution: Air and indoor pollutants can harm health and interfere with normal growth, particularly in children.
9. Socio-economic status: Income and family circumstances can affect access to nutrition, rest, exercise, and other resources important for growth.