It is generally well known that on average we are taller than our ancestor; this is true of people in various places around the world.The people of the Netherlands, now the world's tallest, have been on an upward trend since 1851, though the rate of growth accelerated after the second world war. In 1965, the average Dutchman was 1.78m tall. By 1997, he was 6cm taller. The average Dutch woman grew from 1.66m to 1.71m.The Spanish grew 2.4cm per decade between 1960 and 1990. In Western Europe this growth has now slowed to about 1cm per decade but Western Europe and Japan are increasing by up to 3cm per decade. However, on average, women are increasing in height more slowly than men so the gap in height between the sexes is widening.It has been found that it is the first two years of life which are the most important for height, when the leg bones are growing rapidly. Not only increased food supply but also general health improvement brought about antibiotics and vaccinations have had an effect. Your final height, however, is still dependent on the height of your parents and grandparents.Between 1960 and 1990 the average height of a Spaniard increased overall by about

Correct answer: C. 7.2cm

• A. 3cm
• B. 5cm
• C. 7.2cm
• D. 10cm

Last updated 3 September 2026