How does maturation differ from growth?

Maturation refers to the process through which an organism develops or progresses toward a mature state, typically focusing on the functional capabilities associated with that development. For instance, maturation enables a child to gain control over their motor skills, allowing them to perform tasks such as balancing, running, or grasping objects effectively as they grow older.

In contrast, growth is primarily concerned with the structural aspects of physical development, measuring changes in size, mass, and overall body composition. For example, as a child grows, their bones lengthen, muscles increase in size, and body proportions change, leading to a larger physical stature.

Understanding these distinctions is critical, as it highlights that while growth may refer to quantifiable physical changes, maturation encompasses the qualitative changes that influence how a person interacts with their environment and develops skills over time. This difference reinforces the idea that maturation is not strictly tied to physical changes, but rather to the acquisition and enhancement of functional abilities throughout development.