Meaning of Growth -
Growth describes the biological alterations that take place when people develop from infants to adults. In other terms, growth refers to the process by which young organisms get physically larger. This includes observable modifications like heightening and bulk gain. It can also involve growth patterns that are invisible to the naked eye, such as the expansion of internal organs and structures like the brain and lungs. The term "growth" is used to define the organic processes of biological transformation.
Meaning of Development
Development describes the functional alterations that may be frequently seen in people's activities and behaviour. It is frequently used as a blanket term to describe how people evolve over time. When a skill or ability that has some form of practical application, like language or problem-solving, first appears, it is referred to be developing.
Factors influencing development and growth
Genetic and environmental variables dictate the course or pattern of growth and development for each child. The capacity for growth and development as well as its constraints are determined by genetic variables.
If favourable, environmental factors like sufficient nourishment help the genetic potential for growth and development to be realised. Unfavorable variables can delay or halt growth and development whether they work alone or in combination.
Malnutrition, infections, congenital deformities, hormone imbalances, incapacity, a lack of emotional support, a lack of play, and a lack of language instruction are some of the unfavourable elements. These environmental influences can be reduced or eliminated to encourage optimum growth. Following their removal, there is a period of growing catch-up.
The growth rate is more than usual during this time. Up until the prior growth pattern is attained, this growth rate keeps on. The growth rate is then slowed down to that person's genetically determined normal rate. Growing slightly faster than a child who is genetically predisposed to be short is a child who is genetically predisposed to be tall.