The Evolution of Sex: Strategies of Males and Females

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.