This animation shows the average morphological evolution of a boy and a girl from birth to adulthood. This growth is characterized by different stages of variable duration depending on the subjects, occurring more or less early in the development cycle. Studies on a large number of subjects have shown the average increase in weight and height as a function of age. The data presented here are taken from the World Health Organization website. The hereditary character, the environment, the diet are factors that can influence growth curves.

Childhood is the period that lasts from birth to adolescence. It lasts about 12 years for girls and 14 years for boys.

Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood. The body changes, which also leads to physical and psychological changes. Growth is accelerating. At the end of this period, the genitalia are mature and the individual is able to reproduce.