""The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex"" is a seminal work of evolutionary biology written by Charles Darwin. Published in 1871, the book explores the theory of evolution and the role of sexual selection in the development of human beings. In it, Darwin argues that humans are descended from apes and that natural selection has played a major role in shaping the physical and behavioral characteristics of our species. He also explores the idea that sexual selection, or the competition for mates, has led to the ...
Read More
""The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex"" is a seminal work of evolutionary biology written by Charles Darwin. Published in 1871, the book explores the theory of evolution and the role of sexual selection in the development of human beings. In it, Darwin argues that humans are descended from apes and that natural selection has played a major role in shaping the physical and behavioral characteristics of our species. He also explores the idea that sexual selection, or the competition for mates, has led to the development of certain physical and behavioral traits that are unique to humans. The book is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on the evolution of humans and the second on sexual selection. Throughout the book, Darwin uses a wealth of scientific evidence to support his theories, including observations of animal behavior and the fossil record. ""The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex"" is a groundbreaking work that continues to influence our understanding of evolution and human biology today.In the discussion on Sexual Selection in my 'Descent of Man, ' no case interested and perplexed me so much as the brightly-coloured hinder ends and adjoining parts of certain monkeys. As these parts are more brightly coloured in one sex than the other, and as they become more brilliant during the season of love, I concluded that the colours had been gained as a sexual attraction.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
Read Less
Add this copy of The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex to cart. $91.16, new condition, Sold by Booksplease rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Southport, MERSEYSIDE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2004 by Kessinger Publishing.
Darwin's Descent of Man is one of the great books of all time. If you haven't haven't read it (along with the Origin of Species), you haven't lived! In the first part of the work Darwin explores the evidence for humanity's descent from primate ancestors, and, deeper in time, from the vertebrate lineage. He also deals with questions such as the place of origin of humans (he assumes, correctly, Africa), and whether the human races are sufficiently distinct as to be different species (he dismisses this argument conclusively). The second part of the work is about sexual selection, those aspects of an organism that are not formed by natural selection (competition), but by the preferences of other members of the species in breeding choices. Darwin returns at the end of the book to humans, arguing that many features of humans are a result of sexual selection. Two qualities epitomise this work, firstly the vast erudition of the author and the subtleties of his argument. Secondly the evident affection and compassion with which Darwin viewed all living things. Who can forget, for example, his anecdote of the male dung beetle who appeared ?highly agitated? when his mate was removed, and the female dung-beetle, who when the male was removed, stopped still and refused to move at all!