Biological
Factors of Human Development
Introduction
The development of human being is affected by
the several factors ‘biological’ is one among them. The biological factors play
decisive role in creating beautiful diversity in psycho-physical
characteristics of human beings. The colour of eyes, skin, hair, height,
intellectual capability or personality types are gifts of these factors.
Interestingly human beings are different yet similar. Development is to move from
dependency to increasing
autonomy (wikipedia.com).
Factors
1. Genetic
(Heredity)
2. Nutrition
3. Prenatal
period
4. Hormones
5. Sex
1. Genetics (Heredity) – Genes
through chromosomes carries characteristics that are transmitted from parents
to child. Child develops throughout life within the limits of genetic
blueprint. The shape, texture, colour and features of physical (height, eyes,
skin, hair etc.) and psychological (Intelligence, aptitude and personality)
traits are the outcomes of this blueprint (Examples of phenotype).
Interestingly Genes also carries strains of certain diseases i.e. heart related
ailments, autism, diabetes, asthma etc. The genetic heritage of an individual
is known as ‘Genotype’. It is important to note that all genetic material is
not observable in human beings. The observable and measureable characteristics
of genotype are known as ‘Phenotype’.
2. Nutrition – Nutrition is
the process by which the body nourishes itself and body tissues by transforming
food into energy. Nutrients provide energy; to grow, repair, and maintain tissues
of human body(kids.britannica.com).The various food Components such as Proteins,
fats, vitamins, minerals & carbohydrates
combine together to form nutrients. We receive these nutrients from various
types of foods. In essences nutrition can either make or break the body system.
3. Prenatal Period – It is the
time between conception and birth. The prenatal period is commonly divided into
three stages i.e. Germinal stage, Embryonic stage and Fetal stage.
(i) Germinal
Stage – From conception (meeting of sperm cell with egg) to two weeks zygote
forms. In this stage ball of cells starts receiving oxygen & other
nutrients.
(ii) Embryonic
Stage – From end of germinal stage i.e. third week to two months after
conception the ball of cells is now called as ‘Embryo’. This stage is most
crucial for brain and neural system development. The cardiovascular and other
features such as eyes, nose etc. starts to form. The basic structure of the
brain and nervous system is defined at this stage (verywellmind.com).
(iii) Fetal
Stage – This stage begins at 9th week (Approximately after 2nd
month) and lasts until birth. The systems started to develop in Embryonic stage
develops further. The inner process of brain development is most important for
future psychological outcomes. At the end of this stage fetus prepares itself
for the life outside the womb.
4. Hormones
(Little managers of human body) – Hormone is a regulatory chemical produced by
specialized group of cells known as ‘Glands’. The endocrine (ductless) glands
regulates human development through release
of hormones at regular intervals. Hormones are transported by blood stream. Certain
hormones are produced by human body throughout life while some are at required
time of life. Every hormone has its specific allocated role in development of
human body. For example the growth hormone is responsible for the growth of
human body which is released through out life cycle. The development of
secondary sex characteristics are also the result of the ‘gonadotropic’ hormone
released by gonads at the time of puberty. The normal and timely release of all
hormones is very important for both psychological and physical well-being. In
absence of balanced secretion of hormones at specific times the body will not
grow, develops, mature and reproduce (NCERT).
5. Sex – The sex of a child plays differentiating role
in development especially near puberty. Girls and boys develops in accordance with
their chromosomal set up. Girls develops faster during adolescence while boys
takes more time to mature. Boys muscle mass and bone strength is higher than
girls. Their body structure differs to meet differential
psycho-socio-biological needs. The sex also influence the temperamental pattern
of both genders.
References:
(i) wikipedia.com
(ii) https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/factors-that-affect-growth-and-development-in-children/
(iii)
https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/food-and-nutrition/274373.
(iv) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kC6p1twkXk.
(v) https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/list-of-ductless-glands-present-in-the-human-body-1513862468-1
(vi) NCERT, XI Psychology
Text Book.
(vii) Mangal, S. K. (2002). Advanced
Educational Psychology. Delhi: PHI.
No comments:
Post a Comment