Why Sex Matters: A Darwinian Look at Human Behavior

摘要: Why are men, like other primate males, usually the aggressors and risk takers? do women typically have fewer sexual partners? is killing infants routine in some cultures, but forbidden others? incest everywhere taboo? Bobbi Low ranges from ancient Rome to modern America, Amazon Arctic, single-celled organisms international politics show that these many questions about human behavior largely come down evolution sex. More precisely, as she shows this uniquely comprehensive accessible survey of behavioral evolutionary ecology, they basic principle all evolved maximize their reproductive success seek resources so.Low begins by reviewing fundamental arguments assumptions ecology: selfish genes, conflicts interest, tendency for sexes reproduce through different behaviors. She explains why species--from chimpanzees apes humans--males spread genes devoting extraordinary efforts finding mates, while females find it profitable expend more effort on parenting. illustrates differences among humans showing places diverse parishes nineteenth-century Sweden, villages seventeenth-century China, forests twentieth-century Brazil, men tended power resources, cattle money, attract sought a secure environment raising children. makes clear, however, not done so simply individual or vacuum, act complex ways involve cooperation coalition building shaped culture, technology, tradition, availability resources. also considers how drive acquire leads environmental degradation warfare asks whether our could be channeled constructive ways.