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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
informative
slow-paced
updating this to 4 stars as it’s been a year since i read this book and i think of it often. was surprised to see my own rating :)
3.5/5 rounded down. very interesting theory, largely about other species and not about humans which was not what i expected but was probably for the best. in fact the few chapters about humans were my least favorite of the book. i’m curious to hear a more recent take on this theory, or to learn how it has been debunked and what has replaced it
3.5/5 rounded down. very interesting theory, largely about other species and not about humans which was not what i expected but was probably for the best. in fact the few chapters about humans were my least favorite of the book. i’m curious to hear a more recent take on this theory, or to learn how it has been debunked and what has replaced it
I had to read this book for a college biology class. I couldn't put it down! It is a fascinating look about why we choose the mates we choose. Makes me think twice when I go on a date!
Some books withstand the test of time, this is NOT one of them. So outdated, irrelevant, sexist, female blaming, fucking aggravating ‘science’. Granted Ridley states that is own personal bias may shine through, but it is so prevalent as to be the basis for all of his arguments. This book should be titled The Red Queen: Sex, Evolution and why it’s all Her Fault.
I’ve only ever stopped reading one book cuz it was so bad, this one might be #2.
#wasteoftime #dated #outmoded #bullshit #biased #sexist #angry #awful
I’ve only ever stopped reading one book cuz it was so bad, this one might be #2.
#wasteoftime #dated #outmoded #bullshit #biased #sexist #angry #awful
First half to two thirds provided a good summary of the nature of sexual vs asexual reproduction, the adaptive advantages of sexual reproduction, and the role parasites and diseases and genes that protect against them played in the evolution of sex. Just as fascinating and informative was a description of how simulations were used to generate hypothesis and theories as to why sexual reproduction developed, and how it could compete against asexual reproduction.
The second half was more scattered and less comprehensive than the first. More assertions against culture war issues in sexuality, with only a brief chapter on homosexual behavior. The chapter only briefly mentioned references to twin studies and figuring out whether hormones or genes affect sexual preference, but I felt the issue was worthy of multiple chapters like the previous treatment on the origin of sex. After all, homosexual behavior and pair-bonding isn't exclusive to humans; its been observed in 450 different species. What are the advantages that cause such genes to promulgate? An intuitive exploration of the topic would suggest genes responsible for such behaviors would be less likely to promulgate. Furthermore, if there is a lack of effort exploring the topic, then understanding why would also be helpful. If dozens of simulations and models were used to figure out sexual reproduction, why weren't there any similar efforts with figuring out homosexual vs heterosexual attraction and behavior?
The second half was more scattered and less comprehensive than the first. More assertions against culture war issues in sexuality, with only a brief chapter on homosexual behavior. The chapter only briefly mentioned references to twin studies and figuring out whether hormones or genes affect sexual preference, but I felt the issue was worthy of multiple chapters like the previous treatment on the origin of sex. After all, homosexual behavior and pair-bonding isn't exclusive to humans; its been observed in 450 different species. What are the advantages that cause such genes to promulgate? An intuitive exploration of the topic would suggest genes responsible for such behaviors would be less likely to promulgate. Furthermore, if there is a lack of effort exploring the topic, then understanding why would also be helpful. If dozens of simulations and models were used to figure out sexual reproduction, why weren't there any similar efforts with figuring out homosexual vs heterosexual attraction and behavior?
A very interesting book. The author tries to weave together a cohesive theory that explains the why of sex and how the evolution of humans has been deeply influenced by sex. The book is almost 20 years old and so some of the ideas, like men and women having different brains and skill sets, were not entirely foreign to me. The first part of the book focus' on genetics and the author does well in attempting to explain scientific themes to the average person, though I must admit I was lucky if I understood two thirds of this information. Still, it is a very enjoyable read with many interesting ideas.
Per what I've come to expect w/ Ridley, I'm now looking at humanity in a different light. It's endlessly entertaining to ponder the consequences of the Red Queen Theory applied to sexual selection. A great show it will be if Ridley is correct in his assertion that much of human intelligence and creativity has come about by the same mechanism responsible for the peacock's inconveniently long tail.
I appreciate the Ridley stating at the beginning that the end of this book is more exciting than the start, because that's exactly how I feel about it. It was very interesting, but I did find myself losing interest initially.