Sexual Selection: A Very Short Introduction

Description

What is responsible for the differences between the sexes in so many animals, from the brilliant plumage of birds-of-paradise to the antlers on deer? Why are the traits that distinguish the sexes sometimes detrimental to survival? Ahy do males and females sometimes behave differently? Questions like these have intrigued scientists and the public alike for many years. New discoveries are showing us both how wildly variable the natural world is, and how some basic principles can help explain much of that variation. Like natural selection, sexual selection is a process that results from differential representation of genes in successive generations. Under sexual selection, however, the crucial characteristics that determine whether an individual reproduces depend on sexual competition rather than survival ability. This Very Short Introduction uncovers the history of our understanding of sexual selection, from Darwin's key insights to the modern day. Considering the investment animals place on reproduction, variation in mating systems, sexual conflict, and the origin of sexual dimorphism, Marlene Zuk and Leigh Simmons discuss questions such as whether females can really choose between males on aesthetic grounds, and how sexual conflict is resolved in different species. Take on the book: The very book is published via Oxford Press which is ok, BUT when it comes to the ontological question of being and existence on the earth in the scholarship it is about the discussion academic debates and exchange of the opinions with mutual respect -- with no intention to look down upon ones' position. It is very difficult to give final opinion/final word on: Which came first: the chicken or the egg? Read the book for yourself but please do not forget to love the life, love and protect the nature, try to be nice to other people, help them, do not impose your opinion/position upon them,this is more important than to show off whose point of view/life view is "the true one", respect the freedom of the people around you and let them believe or not to believe whatever they want. Enjoy life is good and as I have just said do not forget to be nice to everyone :) Good luck. List of illustrations 1 Darwin’s other big idea 2 Mating systems, or who goes with whom, and for how long 3 Choosing from the field of competitors 4 Sex roles and stereotypes 5 Sexual selection after mating 6 Sexual conflict 7 How sex makes species survive 8 Conclusions, and where to from here