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The evolutionary objective of both sexes is to optimize the number of genes they contribute to following generations. Invariably the most efficient way to achieve this is to have many high quality offspring. However, males and females can be influenced by very different biological forces that subsequently shape their reproductive strategies.
This readable account of the evolution of sexual reproduction highlights these differences between the sexes, specifically the potential for both conflict and co-operation at the level of the individual. Males and females are often very different when it comes to carrying out their reproductive strategies and may be at odds as to how best to maximize their success. This book discusses those differences, how they arose, what they are, and provides a wealth of examples to better understand how the two biological sexes approach sexual reproduction.
The Evolution of Sex is an accessible primer suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students of anthropology, psychology, and biology. It will also appeal to a more general audience seeking a better understanding of human sexual behaviour from an evolutionary viewpoint.
1. Introduction
2. Not All Reproduction Involves Sex
3. The Road to Sexual Reproduction
4. Two Sexes: The Early Days
5. Sexual Reproduction Is Costly
6. So Why Sex?
7. Determining An Indvidual's Sex
8. Conflict Between the Sexes
9. Cooperation Between the Sexes
10. The Best Mate
11. Not All Sex Results in Reproduction
12. Mating Systems
Kevin Lee Teather is a Professor of Biology in the Department of Science at Prince Edward Island University, Canada. After earning his PhD in evolutionary biology from Carleton University in Ottawa, he completed post-doctoral work at Cambridge University. Much of his research has involved examining differences between male and female birds in development, breeding, and feeding. He has been a faculty member at the University of Prince Edward Island for over 25 years, teaching courses in vertebrate zoology, animal behaviour, evolution, and most importantly, the evolution of sex.
