"The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex, Volume II" continues Charles Darwin's groundbreaking exploration of evolution, building upon the principles outlined in "On the Origin of Species." This volume delves into the intricacies of sexual selection and its profound influence on the development of distinct characteristics within species, including humanity. Darwin meticulously examines the origins of sex differences, exploring how natural selection and sexual selection have shaped both the physical and ...
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"The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex, Volume II" continues Charles Darwin's groundbreaking exploration of evolution, building upon the principles outlined in "On the Origin of Species." This volume delves into the intricacies of sexual selection and its profound influence on the development of distinct characteristics within species, including humanity. Darwin meticulously examines the origins of sex differences, exploring how natural selection and sexual selection have shaped both the physical and behavioral traits of humans. From the evolution of societal structures to the nuances of human behavior, Darwin's work provides a fascinating lens through which to understand the ongoing processes of natural history. A cornerstone of Darwinism and evolutionary thought, this historical text remains essential reading for anyone interested in the life sciences, human evolution, and the lasting impact of Darwin's revolutionary ideas. This edition presents the complete text of Volume II from the first edition, carefully prepared for republication. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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Darwin's Descent of Man is one of the great books of all time. If you haven't haven't read it (along with the Origin of Species), you haven't lived! In the first part of the work Darwin explores the evidence for humanity's descent from primate ancestors, and, deeper in time, from the vertebrate lineage. He also deals with questions such as the place of origin of humans (he assumes, correctly, Africa), and whether the human races are sufficiently distinct as to be different species (he dismisses this argument conclusively). The second part of the work is about sexual selection, those aspects of an organism that are not formed by natural selection (competition), but by the preferences of other members of the species in breeding choices. Darwin returns at the end of the book to humans, arguing that many features of humans are a result of sexual selection. Two qualities epitomise this work, firstly the vast erudition of the author and the subtleties of his argument. Secondly the evident affection and compassion with which Darwin viewed all living things. Who can forget, for example, his anecdote of the male dung beetle who appeared ?highly agitated? when his mate was removed, and the female dung-beetle, who when the male was removed, stopped still and refused to move at all!
