The evolution of sex strategies of males and females Kevin Lee Teather

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Teather, Kevin Lee, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Sexual behavior in animals.

Reproduction.

Sex (Biology).

Evolution (Biology).

Sex.

Sexual Behavior.

sex (biological characteristic).

sexuality.

Medical Subjects:

Sex.

Sexual Behavior.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Other Title:

Evolution of Sex

Place of Publication:

Oxford University Press

Oxford Oxford University Press [2024]

Summary:

Written from an evolutionary perspective, 'The Evolution of Sex' emphasizes the idea that males and females are influenced by different biological forces that shape their strategies for maximizing the production of offspring

The evolution of sexual reproduction has perplexed biologists for decades. The earliest organisms on Earth could replicate by themselves, so why do almost all multicellular species combine their genetic material with other individuals to reproduce? After all, asexual reproduction was very successful for well over a billion years. It remains the only mode of reproduction in all of today’s bacteria and is used by many multicellular organisms at certain times in their lifecycle. Sex is costly. It is characterized by increased time and energy at the cellular and organismal levels, may result in injury or even death, and exposes individuals to predators and parasites. Conversely, it can repair damaged stretches of DNA and create the variability necessary for natural selection. Furthermore, assuming that there is some benefit to reproducing sexually, why are sex partners so different? Given that the objective of both individuals is to optimize the production of high-quality progeny, one would expect all members of a species to be similar. Instead, the two types of individuals we denote as biological males and females often exhibit an array of anatomical and behavioural differences that may influence their approach to sexual encounters. Interactions between the two can be co-operative, but their unique strategies often reveal an underlying conflict. This book explores the possible reasons why sex evolved, examines how the differences between males and females arose, and discusses how those differences affect their reproductive strategies

Contents:

Introduction

Not All Reproduction Involves Sex

The Road to Sexual Reproduction

Two Sexes : Early Days

Sexual Reproduction Is Costly

So Why Sex?

Determining an Individual's Biological Sex

Conflict Between the Sexes

Co-operation Between the Sexes

The Best Mate

Not All Sex Results in Reproduction

Mating Systems

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description based on online resource and publisher information; title from PDF title page (viewed on March 16, 2024)

Other Format:

Print version Teather, Kevin Lee. Evolution of sex

ISBN:

9780191994418

0191994413

OCLC:

1427197863

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license