juveniles

Juveniles are young individuals in the early stage of life after birth or hatching and before reaching adulthood. The term is used across biology to refer to an organism’s immature stages and in human societies to describe people who have not attained full legal status as adults. The precise age range of the juvenile stage varies by species and jurisdiction.

In biology, juveniles typically grow and develop during a phase distinct from the adult form. Some species show gradual growth, while others undergo metamorphosis (for example, caterpillars becoming butterflies). Juveniles may have different diets, habitats, and behaviors, and are often more vulnerable to predation. Juvenile development is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and environment, and many species pass through a juvenile stage before maturation and reproduction.

In human contexts, the term commonly refers to children and adolescents who are not yet adults. Legal definitions of the juvenile period vary; in many countries, the age of majority is 18, while some jurisdictions set different thresholds. The juvenile justice system in many places emphasizes rehabilitation and education over punishment, and young people may receive special protections under child welfare, education, and health laws. Individuals who commit offenses while under the age of accountability may be handled under separate statutes with different procedures and sanctions. Transition to adulthood involves changes in rights, responsibilities, and legal status.

Terminology and usage differ by field and region. In biology, juvenile does not imply any particular behavior beyond immaturity; in law it denotes a specific age range with associated rights and protections. Across species, juvenile stages are often critical for survival, dispersal, and the development of reproductive capability.