Abstract
Secular trends in human growth and adult morphology are characterized by a change in absolute size and by differences in the timing and magnitude of critical somatic and developmental landmarks such as peak height velocity and age at menarche (first menstruation). Positive trends are reflected by an increase in absolute size and acceleration in the rate of growth such that children appear to be larger and mature earlier, while a negative trend results in a decrease in absolute size and deceleration in the rate of growth such that children appear to mature later and be smaller. Such changes are described as “secular trends” under the assumption that they are short‐term reversible changes occurring between generations rather than permanent alterations to the genetic potential for human growth and development. The causes of positive secular trends are thought to lie within improved health and nutrition, although some discussion has centered on whether heterosis or hybrid vigour may be a contributing factor. It seems highly likely that secular changes follow a fluctuating pattern, with both positive and negative trends occurring over the last two millennia.
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