The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, Vol. II (1st Edition)

The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, Vol. II (1st Edition)

Vol. I. pp. 297-299.I have fallen into a serious and unfortunate error, in relation to the sexual differences of animals, in attempting to explain what seemed to me a singular coincidence in the late period of life at which the necessary variations have arisen in many cases, and the late period at which sexual selection acts. The explanation given is wholly erroneous, as I have discovered by working out an illustration in figures. Moreover, the supposed coincidence of period is far from general, and is not remarkable; for, as I have elsewhere attempted to show, variations arising early in life have often been accumulated through sexual selection, being then commonly transmitted to both sexes. On the other hand, variations arising late in life cannot fail to coincide approximately in period with that of the process of sexual selection. Allusions to these erroneous views reappear in Vol. II. pp. 161 and 237. Fishes: Courtship and battles of the malesLarger size of the femalesMales, bright colours and ornamental appendages; other strange charactersColours and appendages acquired by the males during the breeding-season aloneFishes with both sexes brilliantly colouredProtective coloursThe less conspicuous colours of the female cannot be accounted for on the principle of protectionMale fishes building nests, and taking charge of the ova and young. Amphibians: Differences in structure and colour between the sexesVocal organs. Reptiles: CheloniansCrocodilesSnakes, colours in some cases protectiveLizards, battles ofOrnamental appendages Strange differences in structure between the sexesColoursSexual differences almost as great as with birds. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 36520
Author: Darwin, Charles
Release Date: Jun 25, 2011
Format: eBook
Language: English