The Sex Imperative: An Evolutionary Tale of Sexual Survival - Softcover

Maxwell, Kenneth E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0306446499 ISBN 13: 9780306446498

Publisher: Springer, 1994

Synopsis

After the primordial Earth produced the miracle of life, a remarkable and strange "accident" soon came to pass. This accident was sex - a new creation that would irrevocably alter the course of life on our planet. This magnificent event would engender the multitude of life forms that have come to walk, swim, and fly upon this Earth. Dr. Maxwell takes us on an eye-opening tour of the bizarre, fascinating, infinitely diverse world of sexual relations. From single-celled organisms to human beings, Maxwell unlocks the secrets of survival, describing in rich detail the matings, meetings, and sexual make-ups of a generous sampling of land and sea creatures. The story of sex can be startling and savage: the female firefly uses her glowing lantern to lure male fireflies of related species by flashing the other species' mating code; the males are no good as mates but they make a delicious meal. Maxwell's story also includes an in-depth look at the uniqueness of human sexuality - he reveals why human beings, inheritors of an unusual collection of sexual traits, are considered the "sexiest" of the primates. The sex imperative - the irresistible impulse to engage in sexual relations - has enabled animals to share their genes and evolve. Maxwell traces the progress of sex from the simple sharing of genes between cells to the elaborate courtship rituals that developed so sperm could merge with egg. In the effort to join sperm and egg, species have developed some astounding and unusual sexual adaptations. As Maxwell vividly describes the sex lives of various creatures, he attests to the resiliency and amazing adaptability of life to its everchanging environment. By focusing on the diversity of animalsexual relationships, Maxwell enables us to question the very basis of sexuality: What is sex? Why did it evolve? How does sexuality and survival shape the social behavior of animals and humans? The sex imperative is indeed the driving force behind Darwin's theory of random varia

About this title

About the Author

Kenneth Maxwell, Ph.D., is an Emeritus Professor of Biology at California State University, Long Beach.

From the Back Cover

After the primordial Earth produced the miracle of life, a remarkable and strange "accident" soon came to pass. This accident was sex - a new creation that would irrevocably alter the course of life on our planet. This magnificent event would engender the multitude of life forms that have come to walk, swim, and fly upon this Earth. Dr. Maxwell takes us on an eye-opening tour of the bizarre, fascinating, infinitely diverse world of sexual relations. From single-celled organisms to human beings, Maxwell unlocks the secrets of survival, describing in rich detail the matings, meetings, and sexual make-ups of a generous sampling of land and sea creatures. The story of sex can be startling and savage: the female firefly uses her glowing lantern to lure male fireflies of related species by flashing the other species' mating code; the males are no good as mates but they make a delicious meal. Maxwell's story also includes an in-depth look at the uniqueness of human sexuality - he reveals why human beings, inheritors of an unusual collection of sexual traits, are considered the "sexiest" of the primates. The sex imperative - the irresistible impulse to engage in sexual relations - has enabled animals to share their genes and evolve. Maxwell traces the progress of sex from the simple sharing of genes between cells to the elaborate courtship rituals that developed so sperm could merge with egg. In the effort to join sperm and egg, species have developed some astounding and unusual sexual adaptations. As Maxwell vividly describes the sex lives of various creatures, he attests to the resiliency and amazing adaptability of life to its everchanging environment. By focusing on the diversity of animalsexual relationships, Maxwell enables us to question the very basis of sexuality: What is sex? Why did it evolve? How does sexuality and survival shape the social behavior of animals and humans? The sex imperative is indeed the driving force behind Darwin's theory of random variation and natural selection, better known as "survival of the fittest". Maxwell goes so far as to investigate our latest accomplishment in the science of begetting offspring: genetic engineering. This awe-inspiring and unique work celebrates the power and wonder of life and sexuality of all creatures - including humans. After reading this engrossing and illuminating work, no one will ever think of evolution in the same way.

Reviews

An edifying, witty survey of sex in the animal kingdom, this primer begins by scrutinizing the extraordinary variety and adaptability in the sex lives of microbes, worms, squids, salmon, seahorses, penguins, elephants and other species. Sex, a practice highly costly in time and energy, has persisted among humans, a fact Maxwell attributes to its evolutionary advantage. With authority and a light touch, he discusses the role of sexual organs, other glands and the brain in human sexual growth and performance; possible hormonal and genetic factors in homosexuality; odors and lovemaking; and scientific advances ranging from microscopist Anton von Leeuwenhoek's discovery of sperm in 1679 to the cracking of the genetic code. Calling genetic engineering "the agent of instant evolution," Maxwell, emeritus biology professor at California State University, concludes by assessing both the benefits and potential hazards of biotechnology in creating new forms of organisms. Photos.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

SEX! Bet that got your attention. Usually does, so heed this tome about that three-letter subject--the act of it and just about every other aspect involved in extending a creature's bloodline. This isn't, however, just about human sex. It's about all sex--from the single-cell sex of the simplest organisms to that of the birds and the bees--not to mention fish, worms, and all sorts of reptiles and mammals. This isn't a book written for prurient interests, either, but rather for the biology student whether in or out of school. And if you think the sex act is just for procreation, Maxwell will tell you a thing or two. Of course, the big questions are, Why sex? and Why have virtually all the organisms on this planet devoted so much of their evolutionary energy to the act? Maxwell discloses a few answers to the big two, but if you just want to be amazed at how every creaturely thing does it rather than receive any greater enlightenment, this read is for you, too. Jon Kartman

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0306446499
• ISBN 13: 9780306446498
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 332