: In ant colonies, sexually mature individuals are known as "alates"—the winged reproductives that eventually leave the nest to start new colonies.

: While biological maturity often begins in early adolescence, "social maturity" is a legal convention typically set at age 18 in many countries.

: Beyond physical capability, it involves navigating complex social interactions and establishing romantic relationships. 2. Animal & Environmental Biology

: Research into Atlantic salmon has studied how dietary treatments can influence the timing of early sexual maturation in males.