Reproductive maturity refers to the stage in an organism's life when it is capable of producing offspring. This stage varies among different species and is influenced by factors such as genetics, environment, and nutrition. In animals, reproductive maturity often coincides with physical growth and development, leading to the ability to mate and reproduce. In humans, reproductive maturity typically occurs during adolescence, around ages 10 to 14 for females and 12 to 16 for males. This period is marked by the onset of puberty, which involves hormonal changes that enable the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the ability to conceive or father children.