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Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change – Class 7 Science notes, important questions and MCQs

NCERT Class 7 Science, chapter 6. Notes, key terms, important questions with answers and MCQs.

Chapter overview

Adolescence (about 11–19 years) is the period between childhood and adulthood when the body and mind change because of hormones.

Changes during puberty

Growth spurt in height; voice changes (Adam's apple in boys); hair growth; increased sweat and oil glands (pimples).
Changes are triggered by hormones from the pituitary gland and sex glands.
Everyone grows at their own pace — differences are normal.

Health and well-being

Balanced diet rich in protein, iron (green leafy vegetables, jaggery) and calcium (milk).
Personal hygiene: daily bath, clean clothes; regular exercise and enough sleep.
Say no to tobacco, alcohol and drugs; talk to trusted adults about worries.

Key terms

Adolescence: period of life from about 11 to 19 years
Puberty: stage when the body becomes capable of reproduction
Hormone: chemical messenger made by glands and carried by blood

Formulas

Pituitary gland controls other glands

Important questions with answers

What is puberty?2 marks

Puberty is the stage when the body becomes capable of reproduction, with physical changes like a growth spurt; it happens during adolescence.

Name three changes that happen during adolescence.3 marks

Sudden increase in height (growth spurt); change in voice; growth of hair in new places; more active sweat and oil glands, sometimes causing pimples; emotional changes.

Suggest five healthy habits for adolescents for body and mind, and say why hormones matter in this stage.5 marks

Eat a balanced diet with proteins, milk, fruits and vegetables; bathe daily and keep clean to avoid infections and pimples; exercise or play sports and get enough sleep; avoid junk food, tobacco, alcohol and drugs; talk to parents, teachers or counsellors about worries and stress. Hormones from glands (such as the pituitary) control the growth and changes of adolescence, so a healthy lifestyle supports this natural process.

Quick revision

Hormones cause body changes.
Balanced diet + hygiene + exercise.
Avoid harmful substances.

Exam tips

Iron prevents anaemia, which is common in adolescent girls.
Mood swings are normal — talking helps.

Practice MCQs

Adolescence is roughly the age group
1. 2–6 years
2. 11–19 years
3. 25–35 years
4. 40–50 years
Show answer
Answer: (b) 11–19 years. Teen years.
Chemicals that bring changes during puberty are
1. enzymes
2. minerals
3. vitamins
4. hormones
Show answer
Answer: (d) hormones. Hormones.
Which nutrient prevents anaemia?
1. iodine
2. vitamin D
3. iron
4. sodium
Show answer
Answer: (c) iron. Iron for haemoglobin.
Pimples are common in adolescence because
1. of less sleep only
2. oil glands become more active
3. of eating fruit
4. of drinking water
Show answer
Answer: (b) oil glands become more active. Hormonal activity.
Adolescence usually spans the ages
1. 2–6 years
2. 11–19 years
3. 25–35 years
4. 40–50 years
Show answer
Answer: (b) 11–19 years. Teenage years.
Which gland is called the master gland?
1. pituitary
2. thyroid
3. adrenal
4. pancreas
Show answer
Answer: (a) pituitary. It controls other glands.
A good way to handle stress in adolescence is
1. talking to a trusted adult and staying active
2. avoiding everyone
3. skipping meals
4. using tobacco
Show answer
Answer: (a) talking to a trusted adult and staying active. Support and healthy habits.
A balanced diet in adolescence is important mainly because
1. only vitamins are needed
2. hunger stops
3. the body stops growing
4. growth is very fast in this period
Show answer
Answer: (d) growth is very fast in this period. Rapid growth needs nutrients.

All chapters of Class 7 Science

Written by Kundali IQ from standard, well-established facts to help with revision. This is not an official NCERT publication; always read your textbook too.