Title
Promiscuity: An Evolutionary History of Sperm Competition
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Males are promiscuous and ferociously competitive. Femalesboth human and of other speciesare naturally monogamous. That at least is what the study of sexual behavior after Darwin assumed, perhaps because it was written by men. Only in recent years has this version of events been challenged. Females, it has become clear, are remarkably promiscuous and have evolved an astonishing array of strategies, employed both before and after copulation, to determine exactly who will father their offspring.Tim Birkhead reveals a wonderful world in which males and females vie with each other as they strive to maximize their reproductive success. Both sexes have evolved staggeringly sophisticated ways to get what they wantoften at the expense of the other. He introduces us to fish whose first encounter locks them together for life in a perpetual sexual embrace; hermaphrodites who joust with their reproductive organs, each trying to inseminate the other without being inseminated; and tiny flies whose seminal fluid is so toxic that it not only destroys the sperm of rival males but eventually kills the female. He explores the long and tortuous road leading to our current state of knowledge, from Aristotle s observations on chickens, to the first successful artificial insemination in the seventeenth century, to today s ingenious molecular markers for assigning paternity. And he shows how much human behaviorfrom the wifesharing habits of Inuit hunters to Charlie Chaplin s paternity caseis influenced by sperm competition.Lucidly written and lavishly illustrated, with a wealth of fascinating detail and vivid examples, Promiscuity is the ultimate guide to the battle of the sexes.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Promiscuity: An Evolutionary History of Sperm Competition'? A: The main theme of the book revolves around the evolutionary dynamics of sperm competition and sexual behavior, highlighting the promiscuity of both males and females across species.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Promiscuity' is Tim Birkhead, a renowned biologist known for his research on animal behavior and reproductive strategies.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on October 23, 2000.
- Q: What type of binding does this edition have? A: This edition of 'Promiscuity' is bound in hardcover.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains a total of 292 pages.
- Q: What are some features of this product? A: The book is described as a used book in good condition, ensuring that it is still a valuable resource for readers.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: The book is categorized under Anatomy.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, 'Promiscuity' is well-researched and can serve as a valuable resource for academic study in fields related to biology, evolution, and sexual behavior.
- Q: What can readers expect to learn from this book? A: Readers can expect to learn about various reproductive strategies and behaviors in the animal kingdom, as well as insights into human sexual behavior influenced by evolutionary factors.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations or diagrams? A: Yes, 'Promiscuity' is lavishly illustrated, providing readers with visual aids that complement the detailed discussions within the text.