RBSE Solutions Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change

Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 6 Question Answer (Exercise)

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Question 1. Ramesh, an 11 year old boy, developed a few pimples on his face. His mother told him that this is because of ongoing biological changes in his body. (sebacious glands). 3. Additional oil production : These glands form more oil on skin. 4. Closed pores : Extra oil and dead cells blocked skin pores, which causes generation of bacteria and results in swelling, redness and acne. (ii) What can he do to get some relief from these pimples?
Answer: Ramesh can try several remedies to reduce pimples. He should wash his face two to three times a day with a mild face wash or soap to keep his skin clean. It's also important to avoid using heavy creams or oily products on his face. He should never squeeze pimples, as this can lead to infection and leave marks. Eating a balanced diet with less oily and spicy food, and more fresh fruits and vegetables, can also help. If the pimples are severe, he should consult a skin doctor for proper treatment.
In simple words: Ramesh can wash his face often, avoid oily products, not squeeze pimples, eat healthy food, and see a doctor if needed, to help with his pimples.

🎯 Exam Tip: When providing advice for health issues, always include a range of practical steps from daily hygiene to dietary changes and professional consultation.

Question 2. Which of the following food groups would be a better option for adolescents and why?
Answer: The food group shown in option (ii) is better for adolescents. This group includes healthy items like grains, pulses, leafy vegetables, dairy products, and salads. These foods provide important nutrients needed for proper growth and development during adolescence. Protein, in particular, is highly important at this age because it helps with physical growth, muscle development, and the formation of hormones and enzymes.
In simple words: The healthy food group (option ii) is better because it gives teens all the nutrients they need for growing well, especially protein for muscles and body repair.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing options, clearly state which option is preferred and provide specific, scientific reasons related to nutrition and growth for your choice.

Question. (ii) The hoarseness in the voice of adolescent boys is due to enlarged iceov xob.
Answer: The correct word for "iceov xob" is 'voice box'. The hoarseness in adolescent boys' voices is due to an enlarged voice box, also known as the larynx.
In simple words: Boys' voices get deeper during adolescence because their voice box, which is in the throat, gets bigger.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify the correct biological term for changes occurring during adolescence to ensure accuracy in your answer.

Question. (iii) Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and mark the onset of urtypeb.
Answer: The correct word for "urtypeb" is 'puberty'. Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs indicating that the body is preparing for adulthood, marking the beginning of puberty.
In simple words: Secondary sexual characteristics are natural body changes that show a person is starting puberty and getting ready to be an adult.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the key terms related to adolescent development, like 'puberty' and 'secondary sexual characteristics', and how they relate to the body's preparation for adulthood.

Question. (iv) We should say No to lahoclo and srugd as they are addictive.
Answer: The correct words for "lahoclo" and "srugd" are 'alcohol' and 'drugs'. We should avoid alcohol and drugs because they are addictive and can cause serious harm to our health and well-being.
In simple words: Always say no to alcohol and drugs because they can make you addicted.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the importance of making healthy choices during adolescence, particularly regarding addictive substances.

Question 4. Shalu told her friend, “Adolescence brings only physical changes, like growing taller or developing body hair.” Is she correct? What would you change in this description of adolescence?
Answer: No, Shalu is not entirely correct. Adolescence involves many changes beyond just physical ones. Besides growing taller and developing body hair, significant mental, emotional, and social changes also occur. For example, thinking power and analytical skills develop, emotions become more intense leading to mood swings, and relationships with friends and understanding one's role in society also change. Biological changes include hormone secretion and reproductive system development. This shows adolescence is a time of complete transformation, affecting a person in many ways.
In simple words: Shalu is wrong because adolescence brings not just physical changes but also big changes in thinking, feelings, and how we interact with others.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that adolescence is a holistic developmental stage, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social transformations, not just physical growth.

Question 5. During a discussion in the class, some of the students raised the following points. What questions would you ask them to check the correctness of these points? (i) Adolescents do not need to worry about behavioural changes. (ii) If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want.
Answer: To check these points, we would ask the students the following questions:
(a) Can behavioral changes like crankiness, anger, or a daring nature really affect an adolescent's life and relationships with others?
(b) Do you truly believe that addiction can be stopped easily just with willpower?
(c) Have you ever heard about someone who started using a harmful substance just once, but then needed long-term treatment to overcome it?
In simple words: We would ask if behavioral changes really matter, if addiction is easy to stop with just willpower, and if they know anyone who got addicted after trying something harmful just once.

🎯 Exam Tip: When evaluating statements, formulate questions that challenge the assumptions or provide real-world scenarios to prompt deeper critical thinking.

Question 6. Adolescents sometimes experience mood swings. On some days, they feel very energetic and happy, while on other days, they may feel low. What other behavioural changes are associated with this age?
Answer: Besides mood swings, adolescents go through several other behavioral changes:
1. They might become very focused on themselves, overthinking their physical changes and how they look.
2. There's a strong desire to be independent, leading to a wish to make their own decisions and sometimes distance from parents. This is a normal part of becoming an adult and finding one's identity.
3. Peer pressure becomes influential, causing them to be affected by friends' actions, whether good or bad.
4. They may develop a daring nature, trying new or even dangerous things.
5. Their emotions can become very intense; they might feel extremely happy or very sad about minor things.
In simple words: Other changes include being self-centered, wanting independence, being affected by friends, trying risky things, and having very strong emotions.

🎯 Exam Tip: List a variety of behavioral changes and briefly explain each, showing a comprehensive understanding of adolescent development.

Question 7. While using a toilet, Mohini noticed that used sanitary pads were scattered near the bin. She got upset and shared her feelings with her friends. They discussed the importance of menstrual hygiene and healthy sanitary habits. What menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits would you suggest to your friends?
Answer: Here are some important menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits to suggest to friends:
1. Proper disposal of used pads: Always wrap used sanitary pads in newspaper or other paper and dispose of them in a dustbin, never in an open place.
2. Regular pad changes: Pads should be changed every 4-6 hours to prevent infections and maintain cleanliness. Changing regularly helps maintain skin health.
3. Personal hygiene: Pay special attention to cleaning hands and genital areas thoroughly during menstruation.
4. Selecting the right product: Use good quality sanitary napkins or menstrual cups that suit individual needs.
5. Open communication: Discuss this topic openly with family members and teachers to remove any wrong ideas or myths about menstruation.
6. Spreading awareness: Encourage others to learn about and follow correct disposal methods.
In simple words: Always wrap and throw away used pads properly, change them often, keep yourself clean, use good quality products, talk openly about it, and help others learn.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on practical, actionable advice that promotes health, cleanliness, and open communication regarding menstrual hygiene.

Question 8. Mary and Manoj were classmates and good friends. On turning 11, Mary developed a little bulge on the front of her neck. She visited the doctor who gave her medication and asked to take iodine-rich diet.
Answer:
1. Case of Manoj: The bulge on Manoj's neck was likely an enlarged voice box, also known as Adam's Apple. This is a normal sexual characteristic that develops in boys during adolescence, causing their voice to deepen. The doctor would have reassured him that this is a natural change.
2. Mary's Case: A bulge in Mary's neck at age 11, especially with a doctor recommending iodine, suggests hyperthyroidism or goiter. The main reason for this condition is often a lack of iodine in the diet. So, the doctor correctly advised her to consume iodized salt and take medicines to manage it. This shows how important a balanced diet is for proper growth.
In simple words: Manoj's neck bulge was a normal Adam's Apple from growing up. Mary's neck bulge was a sign of thyroid issues due to a lack of iodine, so she needed medicine and iodine-rich food.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between normal adolescent changes (like Adam's apple) and health conditions (like hyperthyroidism due to iodine deficiency), linking the latter to dietary requirements.

Question 9. During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below. (i) Change in voice (ii) Development of breasts (iii) Growth of moustache (iv) Growth of facial hair (v) Pimples on the face (vi) Growth of hair in the pubic region (vii) Growth of hair in armpits Categorise these changes in the table given below :
Answer:

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully read each physical change and determine if it's specific to one gender or common to both during adolescence to correctly populate the table.

Question 10. Prepare a poster mentioning the tips for adolescents to live a healthy lifestyle.
Answer: A poster to promote a healthy lifestyle for adolescents could have the title: "Adolescence - Foundation of a Healthy Life." Here are some suggestions for the poster content:
1. Balanced diet: Include fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, pulses, and whole grains in daily meals. This provides essential energy and nutrients for growth.
2. Regular exercise: Engage in sports, yoga, or any physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day. Physical activity keeps the body strong and mind alert.
3. Proper sleep: Ensure you get essential sleep, ideally 8-9 hours per night, as rest is crucial for body repair and mental freshness.
4. Good hygiene: Always remember to take baths, brush teeth, and wear clean clothes. Good hygiene prevents infections.
5. Avoid intoxicants: Stay away from cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Learn to say "NO" to these harmful substances to protect your health.
6. Manage stress: Take time for hobbies alongside studies. Talk with friends and family about your feelings to relieve stress.
7. Smart social media use: Be careful with online safety and set time limits for social media to avoid distractions and mental strain.
8. Be aware: Understand the changes happening in your body and seek guidance from a doctor or teacher if you have any questions.
In simple words: To live healthy, teens should eat good food, exercise, sleep enough, stay clean, avoid bad habits, manage stress, use social media wisely, and ask for help if needed.

🎯 Exam Tip: A good poster provides clear, actionable advice across different aspects of health, including physical, mental, and social well-being.

Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change Class 7 Questions and Answers (Intext)

Question 1. According to activity 6.1, what were the most commonly observable changes among students, as mentioned on the slips? List these in Table.
Answer: According to activity 6.1, the most commonly observable changes among students were:

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing observable changes, ensure to mention both the specific change and the demographic (boys, girls, or both) where it is most commonly seen.

Question 2. Adolescents, especially girls, may sometimes suffer from blood-related health problem(s) because of a deficiency of iron or vitamin B12 in the body. Find out such health problems.
Answer: Adolescents, especially girls, can suffer from several blood-related health problems due to a lack of iron or vitamin B12. These problems include:
1. Fatigue (feeling very tired)
2. Difficulty in breathing
3. Sensation (tingling or numbness) in hands and legs
4. Cracking of lips and heels
5. Weak muscles
6. Vertigo (dizziness)
7. Pale skin
These symptoms are often signs of anemia, a condition where the blood lacks healthy red blood cells due to nutrient deficiencies.
In simple words: Lacking iron or Vitamin B12 can make teens, especially girls, feel tired, have trouble breathing, get tingly hands/legs, cracked skin, weak muscles, dizziness, and pale skin.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly list the specific symptoms associated with iron or vitamin B12 deficiency and, if possible, mention the overarching condition like anemia.

Question 3. How can we manage iron deficiency in our body?
Answer: To manage iron deficiency in the body, it is important to include iron-rich foods in the diet. For this, one can eat eggs, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, beetroot, and various dry fruits. These foods are excellent natural sources of iron and help increase the iron levels in the body, which is vital for red blood cell production.
In simple words: To fix low iron, eat foods like eggs, green leaves, whole grains, beetroot, and dry fruits.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a diverse list of common and accessible food items that are good sources of iron.

Question 4. Find out about government schemes aimed to prevent such deficiencies.
Answer: Several government schemes aim to prevent nutritional deficiencies like iron and vitamin B12 deficiency:
(i) Anemia Mukt Bharat (Anemia Free India)
(ii) Rice fortification (adding essential micronutrients like iron and B12 to rice)
(iii) Rashtriya Poshan Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan - National Nutrition Mission)
(iv) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (Maternity Benefit Programme)
(v) Anganwadi services (providing health and nutrition services to children and mothers)
These programs focus on improving the nutritional status of vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
In simple words: Government schemes like Anemia Free India, fortified rice programs, and nutrition missions help prevent nutrient shortages.

🎯 Exam Tip: Name specific government initiatives correctly, showing awareness of national efforts to combat nutritional deficiencies.

Question 6. Why these changes occur at this stage?
Answer: The main reason these changes occur during adolescence is due to special chemicals called 'hormones'. These hormones are secreted by different glands in the body. They are released in response to signals sent from the brain at the right time. Hormones control various aspects of growth and development, leading to the physical, emotional, and mental transformations seen during this stage. They are like messengers that tell the body when and how to change.
In simple words: These changes happen because of hormones, which are chemicals released by glands in the body following signals from the brain, guiding growth and development.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining biological changes, clearly identify hormones as the primary cause and briefly describe their role in controlling growth and development.