Differences between People

People differ physically from the moment of conception, but it is only after birth that an individual can be observed. Family traits and characteristics are noted by adoring parents who think the baby looks like another family member or definitely takes after the mother's side or, without a doubt, has his father's nose.

Eye colour, skin colour and the texture of our hair are all different and depend on our inherited genes. A baby born with ginger hair may in a few months’ time have fair hair as the birth hair falls out and is replaced. Hair can be fine, thick, straight or curly, and as we grow older it gets thinner. Some hair loss is experienced at quite an early age whilst others have a full head of hair throughout their lives. People with dark hair may find that it turns to grey or white even before they reach their 40's.

European people in general have paler skin than if your ancestors come from Africa or Asia. Skin can change colour if exposed to sunlight, but the tan does not last unless it is regularly topped up.

The rate at which we develop and grow is variable. Boys and girls of the same age show big differences in growth spurts especially when puberty is reached. At the age of 12, girls are much taller than boys of the same age, but at 16 years of age, boys shoot up and overtake the girls in height and body strength.

The way the body develops is not just a result of physical changes, as our mental processes have a large part to play in what we want to achieve. A desire to become a skilful footballer, a long distance runner or a strong swimmer require stamina and years of practise to try and attain the top level. Even with hours of body building activities and work-outs in the gym, a person will not be able to compete in a Strong Man competition if they have a small frame and fragile bones.

The food we eat will, to a certain extent, determine how we grow and gives us strong bones. A lack of activity and eating too much sweet sugary food can result in people gaining excessive amounts of weight. It seems unfair that one person can eat all sorts of fattening food and not put on weight whilst others just 'looking at a cream cake' can put on pounds or kilos.

Выполните тест:

1) What changes take place a few weeks after birth?

    A) The noise the baby makes.
    B) The skin colour.
    C) The baby's hair.
    D) The shape of the nose.

2) What causes pale skin to become brown or tanned?

    A) Exposure to the sun.
    B) Staying indoors.
    C) Covering the body with sun cream lotion.
    D) Spending time on a sun bed.

3) Roughly, at what stage in their development do girls start to grow in height?

    A) When they start learning to swim.
    B) When they start primary school.
    C) When they eat raw vegetables.
    D) When they reach puberty at the age of 12 or 13.

4) What do we need to succeed in sport at the top level?

    A) A strong body and a determination to keep persisting.
    B) Extra tuition.
    C) Lots of work in the gym.
    D) Good food.

5) What happens to our bodies if we eat too much and do not take enough exercise?

    A) We feel happy.
    B) We get fat and overweight.
    C) Our muscles get flabby.
    D) We do not have any energy.