Melting ice age puberty

New research reveals that Ice Age teenagers, dating back 25,000 years, underwent puberty stages similar to those of modern adolescents, challenging the perception that current teens enter puberty earlier. A study, co-led by the University of Victoria, examined the bones of 13 ancient individuals aged 10 to 20 and found that most entered puberty by 13.5 years, reaching adulthood between 17 and 22. This indicates a consistent timeline for puberty across millennia. One significant case studied was 'Romito 2', a 16-year-old boy with dwarfism whose skeletal analysis suggested he had entered puberty, possessing a deeper voice and the potential to father children. Researchers utilized innovative techniques to assess bone markers associated with adolescence, providing insights into the development of early humans. The findings highlight the importance of understanding human growth across history and challenge modern misconceptions about adolescence.