How Does Heredity Make Males Taller Than Females?

Genetics is the science of how hereditary traits are passed from parent to child. All attributes of the human body are determined by genetic code, which is created at conception when a female egg is fertilized by male sperm.

Inheritance

• Each parent contributes twenty-three chromosomes, to equal forty-six, and are further divided into twenty-three pairs. These paired chromosomes determine your inherited genetic traits, including the rate of growth. Individuals who draw a tall gene from both parents will, most likely, be tall, but other factors can affect your predetermined body height.

Environmental Factor

• Poor eating and lack of exercise as a child can stunt your growth. Adequate nutrition is needed from infancy to adolescence to maximize your growth potential.

The Pituitary Gland

• The pituitary gland is responsible for emitting growth hormone in increasing quantities as children reach adolescence. An inadequate amount of growth hormone will result in short stature.

Height Growth in Females

• Girls grow on average 2.5 inches per year until they reach puberty. By the time a female has had her first menstrual period, growth has already slowed and will cease one to three years later.

Height Growth in Males

• Growth accelerates more gradually in males than females and occurs at a longer interval, resulting in a taller stature. The average boy will grow 11 inches during puberty as testosterone continues to increase.