
The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex
By Charles DarwinLength28h
About this audiobook
In "The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex," Charles Darwin expands upon his revolutionary theory of evolution, applying it specifically to human beings and sexual selection. This seminal work delves into the implications of evolutionary theory on human ancestry and social behaviors, using a compelling blend of observational data and philosophical inquiry. Darwin's literary style is both rigorous and accessible, marked by a careful examination of natural history and anthropological evidence, firmly situating his discourse within the Victorian intellectual milieu that was grappling with science and morality. Charles Darwin, an eminent naturalist and geologist, is best known for his foundational contributions to the understanding of evolution. His extensive voyages, particularly on the HMS Beagle, and his interactions with various cultures and ecosystems deeply informed his perspectives. The evolution of his thought, particularly regarding human beings as part of the natural order, was a significant driving force behind "The Descent of Man," reflecting his urge to demystify the human experience through the lens of natural selection. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of science, humanity, and philosophy. Darwin's insights not only challenge preconceived notions about human existence but also invite readers to reflect on the complexities of evolution and sexual dynamics. Whether you're a student of biology, philosophy, or history, Darwin's work remains a cornerstone for understanding both our past and our place in the natural world.
Audiobook details
GenreScience and Nature
Length28 hrs
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateSep 4, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS
66SUB-KINGDOM OF THE ARTHROPODA: CLASS, CRUSTACEA.
2THE DESCENT OR ORIGIN OF MAN.
67CLASS, ARACHNIDA (SPIDERS).
3I.
68CLASS, MYRIAPODA.
4II.
69DIFFERENCE IN SIZE BETWEEN THE SEXES.
5III.
70ORDER, THYSANURA.
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6VI.
71ORDER, DIPTERA (FLIES).
7VII.
72ORDER, HEMIPTERA (FIELD-BUGS).
8SEXUAL SELECTION.
73ORDER: HOMOPTERA.
9VIII.
74ORDER, ORTHOPTERA (CRICKETS AND GRASSHOPPERS).
10XI.
75ORDER, NEUROPTERA.
11XII.
76ORDER, HYMENOPTERA.
12XIII.
77ORDER, COLEOPTERA (BEETLES).
13XVI.
78LAW OF BATTLE.
14XVII.
79STRIDULATING ORGANS.
15XVIII.
80ORDER LEPIDOPTERA. (BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS.)
16SEXUAL SELECTION IN RELATION TO MAN, AND CONCLUSION.
81DISPLAY.
17XXI.
82MIMICRY.
18THE DESCENT OF MAN; AND SELECTION IN RELATION TO SEX. —
83BRIGHT COLOURS OF CATERPILLARS.
19INTRODUCTION.
84A SUMMARY AND CONCLUDING REMARKS ON INSECTS.
20PART I. THE DESCENT OR ORIGIN OF MAN.
85AMPHIBIANS.
21THE BODILY STRUCTURE OF MAN.
86URODELA.
22EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT.
87ANURA OR BATRACHIA.
23RUDIMENTS.
88REPTILES.
24THE DIRECT AND DEFINITE ACTION OF CHANGED CONDITIONS.
89CHELONIA.
25EFFECTS OF THE INCREASED USE AND DISUSE OF A PARTS.
90CROCODILIA.
26ARRESTS OF DEVELOPMENT.
91OPHIDIA.
27REVERSION.
92LACERTILIA.
28CORRELATED VARIATION.
93LAW OF BATTLE.
29RATE OF INCREASE.
94VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.
30NATURAL SELECTION.
95LOVE ANTICS AND DANCES.
31—CONCLUSION—
96DECORATION.
32LANGUAGE.
97DISPLAY BY MALE BIRDS OF THEIR PLUMAGE.
33SENSE OF BEAUTY.
98LENGTH OF COURTSHIP.
34BELIEF IN GOD—RELIGION.
99UNPAIRED BIRDS.
35SOCIABILITY.
100MENTAL QUALITIES OF BIRDS, AND THEIR TASTE FOR THE BEAUTIFUL.
36MAN A SOCIAL ANIMAL.
101PREFERENCE FOR A PARTICULAR MALES BY THE FEMALES.
37THE STRICTLY SOCIAL VIRTUES AT FIRST ALONE REGARDED.
102GRADATION OF SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERS.
38CONCLUDING REMARKS.
103ARGUS PHEASANT.
39A SUMMARY OF THE LAST TWO CHAPTERS.
104CHAPTER XV. — Birds—continued.
40PRIMEVAL AND CIVILISED TIMES.
105RULES OR CLASSES OF CASES.
41NATURAL SELECTION AS AFFECTING CIVILISED NATIONS.
106ON THE COLOUR OF THE PLUMAGE IN RELATION TO PROTECTION.
42ON THE EVIDENCE THAT ALL CIVILISED NATIONS WERE ONCE BARBAROUS.
107A SUMMARY OF THE FOUR CHAPTERS ON BIRDS.
43ON THE BIRTHPLACE AND ANTIQUITY OF MAN.
108CHOICE IN PAIRING BY EITHER SEX OF QUADRUPEDS.
44LOWER STAGES IN THE GENEALOGY OF MAN.
109ODOUR.
45—CONCLUSION—
110DEVELOPMENT OF THE HAIR.
46ON THE EXTINCTION OF THE RACES OF MAN.
111COLOUR OF THE HAIR AND OF THE NAKED SKIN.
47ON THE FORMATION OF THE RACES OF MAN.
112EQUAL TRANSMISSION OF ORNAMENTAL CHARACTERS TO BOTH SEXES.
48PART II. SEXUAL SELECTION.
113QUADRUMANA.
49NUMERICAL PROPORTION OF THE TWO SEXES.
114A SUMMARY.
50POLYGAMY.
115PART III. — SEXUAL SELECTION IN RELATION TO MAN, AND CONCLUSION.
51THE MALE GENERALLY MORE MODIFIED THAN THE FEMALE.
116LAW OF BATTLE.
52LAWS OF INHERITANCE.
117DIFFERENCE IN THE MENTAL POWERS OF THE TWO SEXES.
53INHERITANCE AT CORRESPONDING PERIODS OF LIFE.
118VOICE AND MUSICAL POWERS.
54INHERITANCE AT CORRESPONDING SEASONS OF THE YEAR.
119THE INFLUENCE OF BEAUTY IN DETERMINING THE MARRIAGES OF MANKIND.
55A SUMMARY AND CONCLUDING REMARKS.
120INFANTICIDE.
56MAN.
121EARLY BETROTHALS AND SLAVERY OF WOMEN.
57HORSES.
122THE MANNER OF ACTION OF SEXUAL SELECTION WITH MANKIND.
58DOGS.
123ABSENCE OF HAIR ON THE BODY, AND ITS DEVELOPMENT ON THE FACE AND HEAD.
59SHEEP.
124COLOUR OF THE SKIN.
60BIRDS.
125A SUMMARY.
61FISH.
126SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE.
62INSECTS.
127ON SEXUAL SELECTION IN RELATION TO MONKEYS. (pt. 1)
63THE PROPORTION OF THE SEXES IN RELATION TO NATURAL SELECTION.
128ON SEXUAL SELECTION IN RELATION TO MONKEYS. (pt. 2)
64THE SUB-KINGDOM OF THE MOLLUSCA.
129THE END.
65SUB-KINGDOM OF THE VERMES: CLASS, ANNELIDA (OR SEA-WORMS).