Class 7 Science Chapter 5 – Growth and Changes During Adolescence – All Textual Solutions | ASSEB Assam (English Medium)

Class 7 Science Chapter 5 Growth and Changes During Adolescence Solutions | ASSEB Assam | English Medium

Class 7 Science (Amar Bijan) Chapter 5 – Growth and Changes During Adolescence Complete Textual Question Answers and Solutions (ASSEB Assam – English Medium)

The fifth chapter of the Class 7 Science (English Medium) syllabus, ‘Growth and Changes During Adolescence,’ is a highly crucial topic focusing on human biology and health. Based on the new ASSEB (Assam State School Education Board) guidelines and the latest National Education Policy (NEP) framework according to the current syllabus, we have prepared comprehensive textual question answers for this chapter. This special guide includes very short answers (VSA), short questions, long descriptive answers, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and additional questions. Brought to you by Ospin Academy, these solutions are accurate, easy to understand, and highly exam-oriented.

In ‘Growth and Changes During Adolescence’, students learn about the transitional phase of life called puberty, marked by significant physical, mental, and emotional changes. The chapter explores the role of hormones, secondary sexual characteristics, reproductive health, and the importance of a balanced diet and personal hygiene during these teenage years. Understanding these natural biological processes is crucial for both personal awareness and exam preparation. Our textual solutions not only cover the textbook exercises but also provide extra important questions and MCQs to ensure students have a thorough grasp of the topic.

What you will learn and get from these textual solutions:

• Clear explanations of puberty, adolescence, and the biological changes that occur during this phase.
• 1-mark objective questions (VSA), MCQs, and detailed 2-3 mark short questions tailored for exams.
• Step-by-step explanations for 4-5 mark long questions, detailing the functions of endocrine glands and hormones.
• A wide range of additional questions and MCQs specifically designed according to the new syllabus pattern.
• Comprehensive insights into nutritional needs, physical fitness, and maintaining personal hygiene, explained in simple English.

Special Features of Ospin Academy’s Notes:

• Prepared strictly according to the new ASSEB syllabus and current educational guidelines.
• 100% accurate and written in simple, easy-to-memorize English (Class 7 Science Notes).
• Includes quick revision points on health and hormones, highly beneficial for last-minute exam preparation.
• Exclusive compilation of extra important questions and MCQs to maximize your scores.

Aiming for academic excellence, Ospin Academy provides these comprehensive textual solutions to aid students in their studies. Start your preparation today and secure the highest marks in Class 7 Science.

 SCERT Assam, Class 7: Science

Lesson-5                                                                             Ospin Academy

Growth and Changes During Adolescence

 

EXERCISE 

1. Darken the circle of correct answer.
(i) Both Anup and Iqbal are about 12 years old. Anup’s voice has started deeper and hoarser, while Iqbal’s voice hasn’t changed yet, What is the correct explanation for this?
(a) Anup is not healthy. 

(b) Iqbal will never experience this change.

(c) The timing and pace of changes during adolescence vary from person to person.

(d) Voice change only happens to some boys.
Answer: (c)

(ii) Which of the following is a secondary sexual characteristic in boys?
(a) Widening of hips
(b) Start of menstruation
(c) Growth of facial hair
(d) Development of breasts 

Answer: (c)

(iii) Rani is an adolescent girl. Recently, she has been feeling frequently confused and sometimes getting upset for no reason. What should she do to manage these emotional changes positively? 

(a) Stay alone
(b) Keep feelings to herself.
(c) Participate in activities like music or sports, and talk to a trusted adult.
(d) Spend more time on social media.
Answer: (c)

(iv) What may be the effect of excessive use of digital devices during adolescence?
(a) Improves sleep
(b) Harms health
(c) Make adolescents more social
(d) Improves concentration in their studies
Answer: (b)

2. Fill in the Blanks
(i) ________ is the stage in which the body of an adolescent undergoes internal and external changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction.
Answer: Puberty 

(ii) _________ are features that help to distinguish males an females but are not directly involved in reproduction.
Answer: Secondary sexual characteristics 

Q. 3. State with reason(s) whether the following statements are True [T] or False [F].

(i) The timing and pattern of hair growth on the body are different for every adolescent. 

Answer: True. Because every adolescent has different genetic makeup and hormonal activities. 

(ii) Girls can carry out daily activities during their periods.

Answer: True. Because menstruation is a natural healthy process that occurs as a girl’s body matures.

(iii) In women, menstruation continues for the whole life.

Answer: False. Because when a woman reaches 45-55 years of age, her periods stop naturally, marking the end of the reproductive capability of her life.

4. Solve the crossword puzzle –

Down	Across
1. The stage when the body develops into an adult capable of reproduction.	4. A nutrient in food that prevents anemia.
2. The stage of menstrual cycle when blood flows from the body of an adolescent girl.	5. An addictive and harmful substance that comes in forms like cigarettes, ‘beedi’, or ‘gutka’.
3. Special chemicals made in the body that control growth and changes during adolescence.	8. Harassing others using digital tools, social media and online platform.
6. The special stage of life between childhood and adulthood.	9. Menstruation is commonly known as ______.
7. The stage in women’s life when periods stop naturally.	10. A common skin condition during adolescence caused by oily secretions blocking skin pores.

Answer:
Down : 1. Puberty, 2. Menstruation, 3. Hormone, 6. Adolescence, 7. Menopause
Across : 4. Iron, 5. Tobacco, 8. Cyberbullying, 9. Period, 10. Acne

5. Match Column A with Column B.

Column A	Column B
(a) Adam’s Apple	(i) Sudden change in emotion without a clear reason.
(b) Menstrual cycle	(ii) Products used to maintain hygiene during menstruation.
(c) Mood swings	(iii) Addiction to harmful things like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs that cause health damage.
(d) Sanitary pads	(iv) A process in adolescent girls that repeats in every 28-30 days to prepare her body for reproduction.
(e) Substance abuse	(v) Enlargement of the voice box in adolescent boys.

: (a) – (v), (b) – (iv), (c) – (i), (d) – (ii), (e) – (iii)

6. What behavioural changes may be associated with adolescence?
Answer: Adolescence frequently brings about notable behavioural shifts. Teenagers might start seeking more independence, prefer spending time alone, exhibit sudden mood swings or irritability without clear reasons, and become highly self-conscious about their appearance. Conversely, they may also show increased interest in creative pursuits, sports, and forming strong peer relationships.
7. Why is it important to have a balanced diet during adolescence?

Answer: Adolescence is characterized by a rapid spurt in physical growth and internal development. Consuming a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals like iron is crucial to fuel this intense physiological expansion, support bone density, prevent anemia, and maintain overall health during this critical phase.
8. Why is it important for adolescents to pursue hobbies and personal interests?
Answer: The hormonal and physical changes of adolescence often lead to emotional turbulence, stress, and confusion. Engaging in hobbies and personal interests provides a healthy outlet for these complex emotions, significantly reduces mental stress, fosters a sense of accomplishment, and helps build crucial self-confidence.
9. What are the various ways leading to cyberbullying?
Answer: Cyberbullying can occur through several harmful online activities. These include distributing someone’s private photos, videos, or personal information without permission, sending continuous threatening or insulting messages, spreading malicious rumours across social media platforms, and posting hurtful comments publicly to demean an individual.
10. Jugnu, a 14-year-old girl, feels embarrassed because of pimples on her face. Her mother told her not to worry about it, as this is normal at her age. What could be the possible reason for the pimples on her face? What can she do to get some relief from these pimples?
Answer: The appearance of pimples is primarily due to the hormonal surges of puberty, which overstimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin. This excess oil, along with dead cells, clogs the microscopic skin pores, creating an environment for bacteria to cause inflammation and acne.
To alleviate this condition, Jugnu should adopt a gentle skincare routine by washing her face regularly to remove excess oil and dirt. Additionally, she should maintain hydration by drinking plenty of water, consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and strictly avoid squeezing or picking at the pimples to prevent scarring.
11. Rima is experiencing her first menstruation. Grandmother tells her that she should not participate in daily activities or enter the kitchen. Explain why this belief is a myth and suggest what Rima should do to handle this situation
Answer: The grandmother’s restrictions stem from outdated superstitions, not facts. Scientifically, menstruation is an entirely normal, biological sign of a healthy and maturing female reproductive system. It is neither a sickness nor an impurity, and it definitively does not render a girl physically incapable of engaging in everyday chores, attending school, or entering a kitchen.
To navigate this situation respectfully but firmly, Rima should try to educate her grandmother. She could calmly explain the biological reality of the menstrual cycle, perhaps enlisting the help of a well-informed parent, teacher, or medical professional to dispel these long-held myths.
12. Rima uses sanitary pads during her periods and changes them in time. She also throws the used sanitary pads in the dustbin without wrapping in paper.

(i) Identify one healthy and one unhealthy practice Rima is following.
Answer: Rima’s healthy practice is her diligent use of sanitary pads and changing them punctually. Her unhealthy practice is irresponsibly throwing the used pads into the dustbin exposed, without wrapping them in paper first.
(ii) Explain why maintaining menstrual hygiene is important for adolescent girls.
Answer: Proper menstrual hygiene is paramount because inadequate practices can lead to severe bacterial or fungal infections in the reproductive tract. Maintaining cleanliness prevents foul odours, prevents dangerous diseases, ensures physical comfort, and significantly boosts the adolescent girl’s self-esteem and confidence to continue her daily life uninterrupted.
(iii) Suggest safe and healthy practices Rima should follow during menstruation.
Answer: Rima should adhere to the following hygienic protocols: First, she must always use clean sanitary pads or specifically designed reusable menstrual products. Second, she should change these pads every 4 to 6 hours, regardless of the flow, to prevent bacterial growth. Lastly, she must meticulously wrap used pads in newspaper or waste paper before disposing of them in a proper, covered bin to maintain environmental hygiene.
13. Suppose your friend is a victim of cyberbullying. As a responsible adolescent, what immediate steps will you take to support him and ensure his safety?
Answer: If my friend were experiencing cyberbullying, my immediate priority would be to offer emotional reassurance so he knows he is not alone or to blame. I would instruct him to halt all communication with the bully immediately. Crucially, I would help him document the harassment by taking screenshots of the abusive messages or posts. Following this, I would guide him to block the perpetrator’s accounts and strongly urge him to report the situation to his parents, a trusted teacher, or the appropriate authorities for intervention.
14. Kiri is a smart boy studying in grade 7. He is often pressurised by his peers to use ‘gutka’. What should Kiri do to stay healthy and safe in this situation?
Answer: Kiri must exhibit strong willpower and firmly say “NO” to his peers, understanding that consuming ‘gutka’ poses severe health risks, including the potential for oral cancer. To remain safe, he should distance himself from that particular group of friends who encourage such harmful habits. If the peer pressure becomes overwhelming or aggressive, Kiri should proactively seek help and confide in his parents or school teachers, who can effectively handle the situation.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. The period of life when the body undergoes changes leading to reproductive maturity is called:
(A) Infancy
(B) Childhood
(C) Adolescence
(D) Adulthood
Answer: (C)

2. Adolescence usually begins around the age of:
(A) 5 years
(B) 11 or 12 years
(C) 18 years
(D) 21 years
Answer: (B)

3. The protruding part of the throat in boys during puberty is known as:
(A) Thyroid gland
(B) Adam’s apple
(C) Vocal cord
(D) Pituitary gland
Answer: (B)

4. Which of the following is a physical change during puberty?
(A) Increase in height
(B) Change in body shape
(C) Change in voice
(D) All of the above
Answer: (D)

5. Chemical substances secreted by endocrine glands are called:
(A) Enzymes
(B) Sweat
(C) Hormones
(D) Saliva
Answer: (C)

6. The male hormone testosterone is produced by the:
(A) Pituitary gland
(B) Testes
(C) Ovaries
(D) Thyroid gland
Answer: (B)

7. The female hormone estrogen is produced by the:
(A) Testes
(B) Pituitary gland
(C) Ovaries
(D) Pancreas
Answer: (C)

8. Which gland is known as the master gland?
(A) Thyroid
(B) Adrenal
(C) Pituitary
(D) Pancreas
Answer: (C)

9. Menstruation occurs roughly once every:
(A) 10-15 days
(B) 28-30 days
(C) 40-45 days
(D) 60 days
Answer: (B)

10. The first menstrual flow begins at puberty and is termed:
(A) Menopause
(B) Menstruation
(C) Menarche
(D) Ovulation
Answer: (C)

11. The stoppage of menstruation around the age of 45 to 50 years is called:
(A) Menopause
(B) Menarche
(C) Gestation
(D) Puberty
Answer: (A)

12. The sex of an unborn child is determined by:
(A) The mother’s chromosomes
(B) The father’s chromosomes
(C) Both parents equally
(D) The environment
Answer: (B)

13. How many pairs of chromosomes are found in the nucleus of their cells?
(A) 21 pairs
(B) 22 pairs
(C) 23 pairs
(D) 24 pairs
Answer: (C)

14. The sex chromosomes in a human female are:
(A) XY
(B) XX
(C) YY
(D) XO
Answer: (B)

15. The sex chromosomes in a human male are:
(A) XX
(B) YY
(C) XY
(D) XO
Answer: (C)

16. Goitre is a disease of the thyroid gland caused by the deficiency of:
(A) Iron
(B) Calcium
(C) Iodine
(D) Potassium
Answer: (C)

17. Diabetes is caused when which gland does not produce enough insulin?
(A) Thyroid
(B) Pituitary
(C) Adrenal
(D) Pancreas
Answer: (D)

18. The hormone adrenaline helps the body to adjust to:
(A) Hunger
(B) Stress when angry or worried
(C) Sleep
(D) Thirst
Answer: (B)

19. For proper development of red blood cells during adolescence, the diet must be rich in:
(A) Calcium
(B) Iron
(C) Fat
(D) Carbohydrates
Answer: (B)

20. Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are harmful because they:
(A) Make you strong
(B) Are addictive and ruin health
(C) Improve memory
(D) Cure diseases
Answer: (B)

Long Questions with Answers

1. Define adolescence and puberty. How are they related?
Answer: Adolescence is the transitional phase of life, typically between the ages of 11 and 19, bridging the gap between childhood and adulthood. Puberty refers specifically to the biological and physical changes that occur during adolescence, rendering an individual capable of sexual reproduction. Puberty is a crucial biological subset of the broader developmental period known as adolescence.
2. List the major physical changes that occur in boys and girls during puberty.
Answer: During puberty, both genders experience a sudden, rapid increase in height and the growth of hair in areas like the armpits and pubic region. Boys specifically develop deeper voices, broader shoulders, and facial hair (beards and mustaches). Girls experience the broadening of hips, the development and enlargement of breasts, and the onset of the menstrual cycle.
3. What are secondary sexual characteristics? Give examples for both boys and girls.
Answer: Secondary sexual characteristics are physical traits that emerge during puberty and help visually distinguish adult males from females, though they are not directly involved in the reproductive process itself. For boys, examples include the growth of facial hair (mustache and beard) and the broadening of the chest. For girls, a primary example is the noticeable development of breasts.
4. Explain the role of hormones in initiating the changes during adolescence.
Answer: Hormones are powerful chemical messengers secreted directly into the bloodstream by endocrine glands. During adolescence, the pituitary gland sends hormonal signals instructing the testes in males to release testosterone, and the ovaries in females to release estrogen. These specific sex hormones then travel throughout the body, triggering the profound physical and developmental changes associated with puberty.
5. Describe the menstrual cycle in human females.
Answer: The menstrual cycle is a monthly physiological process in females, occurring roughly every 28 to 30 days. One ovary releases a mature egg, while the uterus thickens its lining in preparation for potential pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized by a sperm, this thick uterine lining, along with the unfertilized egg and blood vessels, sheds and flows out through the vagina. This bleeding is called menstruation.
6. How is the sex of a human baby determined?
Answer: Sex determination in humans is strictly dictated by the father’s sex chromosomes. Every human egg contains an X chromosome. Sperm cells, however, carry either an X or a Y chromosome. If an X-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg, the resulting zygote will have an XX combination, developing into a female (girl). If a Y-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg, the combination becomes XY, developing into a male (boy).
7. What is the significance of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?
Answer: The pituitary gland, situated at the base of the brain, is fundamentally important because it acts as the ‘master gland’ of the endocrine system. It secretes various regulatory hormones that directly control and stimulate the functioning of almost all other endocrine glands in the body, including the thyroid, adrenals, testes, and ovaries, thereby coordinating overall growth and development.
8. Discuss the nutritional needs of adolescents.
Answer: Adolescence requires significantly elevated nutritional intake to support the rapid physical growth spurt. A balanced diet containing adequate carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle building, and essential vitamins is critical. Furthermore, an increased intake of iron-rich foods (like leafy greens and jaggery) is vital for the formation of healthy red blood cells, which is especially important for girls experiencing menstruation.
9. Why is personal hygiene essential during adolescence?
Answer: During adolescence, the sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands become highly active, leading to increased sweating and oil production, which can cause body odour and severe acne if not managed. Maintaining strict personal hygiene through daily bathing prevents these issues and crucial bacterial or fungal infections. For girls, meticulous hygiene during menstruation is absolutely essential to prevent dangerous reproductive tract infections.
10. Write a short note on the harmful effects of drugs and substance abuse during adolescence.
Answer: Adolescence is a vulnerable phase marked by curiosity and peer pressure, which can lead to experimenting with drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. These substances are highly addictive; casual use can quickly spiral into severe dependency. Substance abuse devastates both physical and mental health, severely impairs brain development and academic performance, damages familial relationships, and can irreparably ruin an adolescent’s future prospects.
11. Explain how the thyroid gland functions and what disease is associated with its malfunction.
Answer: The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces a hormone called thyroxine, which is vital for regulating the body’s overall metabolism and growth. The production of thyroxine heavily relies on the presence of iodine in the diet. If a person consumes insufficient iodine, the thyroid cannot produce enough hormone and enlarges in an attempt to compensate. This abnormal enlargement of the throat is a disease known as goitre.
12. Discuss the emotional changes a teenager might experience during puberty.
Answer: Alongside physical transformations, adolescents experience profound emotional shifts driven by surging hormones. They often face sudden, unpredictable mood swings, oscillating rapidly between joy and deep sadness or irritability. Teenagers become intensely self-conscious, worry excessively about their physical appearance, seek peer approval, and often demand greater independence from their parents, leading to feelings of insecurity and emotional turbulence.
13. What is cyberbullying, and how can an adolescent protect themselves from it?
Answer: Cyberbullying refers to the deliberate use of digital platforms, like social media or messaging apps, to harass, threaten, demean, or spread rumors about an individual. To protect themselves, adolescents must practice internet safety by never sharing sensitive personal information or private photos online. If targeted, they should immediately block the abuser, take screenshots as evidence, refrain from retaliating, and promptly inform a trusted adult.
14. Briefly describe the function of the adrenal glands and the pancreas.
Answer: The adrenal glands, situated atop the kidneys, secrete adrenaline, a crucial “fight or flight” hormone that prepares the body to handle extreme stress, anger, fear, or excitement by increasing heart rate and energy levels. The pancreas secretes insulin, a vital hormone that strictly regulates blood sugar levels. If the pancreas fails to produce adequate insulin, it leads to a chronic condition known as diabetes.
15. Why is it said that “the timing and pace of changes during adolescence vary from person to person”?
Answer: This statement acknowledges that human biological development is not strictly uniform. The exact age when puberty begins, how quickly physical changes manifest (like sudden height increases or voice deepening), and the intensity of hormonal fluctuations are determined by an individual’s unique genetic code, nutritional status, and overall health. Therefore, while everyone goes through adolescence, no two individuals will experience these exact changes at the exact same time or rate.