What is the activational role of hormones during puberty?

The activational role of hormones during puberty is primarily about triggering specific behavioral and physical changes in individuals as they transition from childhood to adulthood. During this developmental stage, hormones like testosterone in males and estrogen in females surge, leading to a range of observable changes.

These changes can include the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development in females, voice deepening in males, increased body hair, and changes in body composition. Alongside these physical changes, hormones also influence behavior by affecting mood, aggression levels, and social interactions. This hormonal activation is vital for initiating the complex processes that lead to reproductive capability and sexual maturity, marking the significant transition into adulthood.

The other options, while related to the broader context of development, do not specifically capture the primary function of hormones during puberty. For instance, regulating emotional stability and enhancing intellectual capacities are influenced by a variety of factors beyond just hormonal changes, and modifying taste preferences is not a direct function of hormones related to puberty. Thus, the focus on the triggering of behavioral and physical changes accurately reflects the key aspects of hormonal activation during this critical developmental phase.