FRHD 2280 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Menarche, Spermarche, Evolutionary Psychology

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Family Relations and Human Development
• Course: FRHD 2280
• Professor: Jenny Glozman

Document Summary

Derived from the latin word to grow hairy. Developmental stage where we undergo physical, social, and emotional changes. Basic system that initiates, facilitates, and maintains changes. Men and women have both testosterone and estrogen. Has to be a certain amount of fat cells before the hypothalamus is signalled. We all have levels of estrogen and testosterone. Know the hormones, what signals what, and the different systems for the midterm. More similar then different between males and females. Men tend to build more muscle and women store body fat. Menstrual cycle around 28 days, and generally release 1 egg on average. Do not have sperm when they are born until they are in puberty. Evolutionary psychology where men are able to reproduce in unlimited quantities. Most of the research comes from the western world. When we widen our lens, we see there are variables in timing of pubertal events. Girls are beginning their menstrual cycle earlier and earlier.