Odd Couples

Extraordinary Differences between the Sexes in the Animal Kingdom

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Genetics, Evolution
Cover of the book Odd Couples by Daphne J. Fairbairn, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Daphne J. Fairbairn ISBN: 9781400847600
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: April 28, 2013
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Daphne J. Fairbairn
ISBN: 9781400847600
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: April 28, 2013
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

While we joke that men are from Mars and women are from Venus, our gender differences can't compare to those of other animals. For instance: the male garden spider spontaneously dies after mating with a female more than fifty times his size. Female cichlids must guard their eggs and larvae--even from the hungry appetites of their own partners. And male blanket octopuses employ a copulatory arm longer than their own bodies to mate with females that outweigh them by four orders of magnitude. Why do these gender gulfs exist? Introducing readers to important discoveries in animal behavior and evolution, Odd Couples explores some of the most extraordinary sexual differences in the animal world. From the fields of Spain to the deep oceans, evolutionary biologist Daphne Fairbairn uncovers the unique and bizarre characteristics--in size, behavior, ecology, and life history--that exist in these remarkable species and the special strategies they use to maximize reproductive success. Fairbairn describes how male great bustards aggressively compete to display their gorgeous plumage and large physiques to watching, choosey females. She investigates why female elephant seals voluntarily live in harems where they are harassed constantly by eager males. And she reveals why dwarf male giant seadevils parasitically fuse to their giant female partners for life. Fairbairn also considers humans and explains that although we are keenly aware of our own sexual differences, they are unexceptional within the vast animal world.

Looking at some of the most amazing creatures on the planet, Odd Couples sheds astonishing light on what it means to be male or female in the animal kingdom.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

While we joke that men are from Mars and women are from Venus, our gender differences can't compare to those of other animals. For instance: the male garden spider spontaneously dies after mating with a female more than fifty times his size. Female cichlids must guard their eggs and larvae--even from the hungry appetites of their own partners. And male blanket octopuses employ a copulatory arm longer than their own bodies to mate with females that outweigh them by four orders of magnitude. Why do these gender gulfs exist? Introducing readers to important discoveries in animal behavior and evolution, Odd Couples explores some of the most extraordinary sexual differences in the animal world. From the fields of Spain to the deep oceans, evolutionary biologist Daphne Fairbairn uncovers the unique and bizarre characteristics--in size, behavior, ecology, and life history--that exist in these remarkable species and the special strategies they use to maximize reproductive success. Fairbairn describes how male great bustards aggressively compete to display their gorgeous plumage and large physiques to watching, choosey females. She investigates why female elephant seals voluntarily live in harems where they are harassed constantly by eager males. And she reveals why dwarf male giant seadevils parasitically fuse to their giant female partners for life. Fairbairn also considers humans and explains that although we are keenly aware of our own sexual differences, they are unexceptional within the vast animal world.

Looking at some of the most amazing creatures on the planet, Odd Couples sheds astonishing light on what it means to be male or female in the animal kingdom.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book Searching for a Corporate Savior by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book The Crossley ID Guide by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book Boilerplate by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book All the News That's Fit to Sell by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book Eugene Onegin by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book War Powers by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book Rhetoric and Reality in Air Warfare by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book The Dark Sides of Virtue by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book The Secrets of Pirate Management by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book Philosophical Analysis in the Twentieth Century, Volume 1 by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book Sound, Sense, and Rhythm by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book When Computers Were Human by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book On Settling by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book The Jews of Islam by Daphne J. Fairbairn
Cover of the book Agent_Zero by Daphne J. Fairbairn
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy