After Reading the Paragraphs Below, Answer the Questions That Follow

Multiple Choice

After reading the paragraphs below, answer the questions that follow.
Recent studies have shown that the onset of puberty in American girls has decreased from an average of 12-13 years of age to as young as 8-10. Many scientists who study premature puberty suggest that steroids in our food and in the environment may be contributing factors, since steroids are known to cross cell membranes and bind to receptors inside cells.
Why are hormones present in our foods? Synthetic testosterone compounds (similar to those used by some athletes) make young animals gain weight faster so they are ready for market sooner. Female animals receive synthetic estrogen to inhibit the reproductive cycle and divert all energy into weight gain. In the United States, up to two-thirds of meat animals are raised using hormones. In addition, hormones are used to increase milk production in dairy cattle.
Scientific investigation of the exact effects of environmental steroids on humans is extremely difficult since there are multiple sources of hormones in the environment. A valid study would require a control group who hasn't been exposed to the chemicals being studied. Since everyone has had some exposure to environmental hormones, no control group is available to use as a reference.
-When environmental estrogens trigger premature puberty in girls, the main organs affected are the

A) ovaries and uterus.
B) thyroid gland and pituitary gland.
C) adrenal cortex.
D) pituitary gland and parathyroid glands.