AP Psychology Practice Test 2025 - Free AP Psychology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The onset of puberty is marked by a combination of physical, biological, and social changes that coincide with the transition from childhood into adolescence. It includes the beginning of adolescence, physical development of secondary sex characteristics, and the onset of reproductive capability.

Beginning of adolescence signifies the broader social and psychological transitions that occur during this stage of development, making it an essential factor in defining puberty.

Development of secondary sex characteristics refers to the physical changes that occur during puberty, such as breast development in females and the deepening of the voice in males as well as the growth of body hair. These changes are significant indicators of the physical maturation that characterizes puberty.

Finally, the ability to reproduce marks a key biological change that occurs during puberty, involving the maturation of the reproductive system, allowing individuals to conceive and bear children.

Given that all these elements play a crucial role in defining the onset of puberty, the most comprehensive answer encompasses them all.