Exploring adolescence as a key life history stage in bioarchaeology

Adolescence is a unique period in the life history of an individual. It characterized by myriad changes that bioarchaeologists are only just coming to appreciate, related sexual maturation, linear growth, immunological transformation, and emotional cognitive development. New methods allow us measure this age transition through stages adolescent as proxy for physical development associated with maturation (puberty). This review outlines ways may draw on research developments from fields human biology, evolutionary theory neurobiology advance more holistic approach study adolescence past. considers current theoretical analytical approaches highlight potential critical stage history. synthesis integrates most recent medical sciences concerned body brain development, biological processes involved adolescent. The goal help inform potentially rewarding areas can contribute from, well challenges limitations, methodological questions, which we develop discipline going forward.