Abstract: This study was designed to study the morphological differences and similarities of Chinese Han girls growth and development by using PCA-Q mode cluster analysis (SPSS language). The data consisted of 44 urban and rural cases came from 22 provinces. In each subject, seven anthropometric measures and indices were used for analysing. The results showed significant variations of Chinese Han girls' growth and development existed not only between north and south China, but also between urban and rural areas, and between developed and underdeveloped areas. These variations were shown clearly on the dendrogram, and the geographic and socio -economic factors causing these variations were investigated. The practical use of PCA-Q cluster analysis and its merits in studying Chinese girls' growth and development were also discussed by the authors.

Key words: Adolescent; Growth; Developement; Cluster analysis