Homo Mysterious:Evolutionary Puzzles of Human Nature

Evolutionary Puzzles of Human Nature

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Biology, Evolution
Cover of the book Homo Mysterious:Evolutionary Puzzles of Human Nature by David P. Barash, Oxford University Press, USA
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David P. Barash ISBN: 9780199910793
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Publication: June 1, 2012
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: David P. Barash
ISBN: 9780199910793
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication: June 1, 2012
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

For all that science knows about the living world, notes David P. Barash, there are even more things that we don't know, genuine evolutionary mysteries that perplex the best minds in biology. Paradoxically, many of these mysteries are very close to home, involving some of the most personal aspects of being human. Homo Mysterious examines a number of these evolutionary mysteries, exploring things that we don't yet know about ourselves, laying out the best current hypotheses, and pointing toward insights that scientists are just beginning to glimpse. Why do women experience orgasm? Why do men have a shorter lifespan than women? Why does homosexuality exist? Why does religion exist in virtually every culture? Why do we have a fondness for the arts? Why do we have such large brains? And why does consciousness exist? Readers are plunged into an ocean of unknowns--the blank spots on the human evolutionary map, the terra incognita of our own species--and are introduced to the major hypotheses that currently occupy scientists who are attempting to unravel each puzzle (including some solutions proposed here for the first time). Throughout the book, readers are invited to share the thrill of science at its cutting edge, a place where we know what we don't know, and, moreover, where we know enough to come up with some compelling and seductive explanations. Homo Mysterious is a guide to creative thought and future explorations, based on the best, most current thinking by evolutionary scientists. It captures the allure of the "not-yet-known" for those interested in stretching their scientific imaginations.

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

For all that science knows about the living world, notes David P. Barash, there are even more things that we don't know, genuine evolutionary mysteries that perplex the best minds in biology. Paradoxically, many of these mysteries are very close to home, involving some of the most personal aspects of being human. Homo Mysterious examines a number of these evolutionary mysteries, exploring things that we don't yet know about ourselves, laying out the best current hypotheses, and pointing toward insights that scientists are just beginning to glimpse. Why do women experience orgasm? Why do men have a shorter lifespan than women? Why does homosexuality exist? Why does religion exist in virtually every culture? Why do we have a fondness for the arts? Why do we have such large brains? And why does consciousness exist? Readers are plunged into an ocean of unknowns--the blank spots on the human evolutionary map, the terra incognita of our own species--and are introduced to the major hypotheses that currently occupy scientists who are attempting to unravel each puzzle (including some solutions proposed here for the first time). Throughout the book, readers are invited to share the thrill of science at its cutting edge, a place where we know what we don't know, and, moreover, where we know enough to come up with some compelling and seductive explanations. Homo Mysterious is a guide to creative thought and future explorations, based on the best, most current thinking by evolutionary scientists. It captures the allure of the "not-yet-known" for those interested in stretching their scientific imaginations.

More books from Oxford University Press, USA

Cover of the book The Ponzi Scheme Puzzle:A History and Analysis of Con Artists and Victims by David P. Barash
Cover of the book Freedom Flyers:The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II by David P. Barash
Cover of the book Abraham Lincoln by David P. Barash
Cover of the book The Bible Now by David P. Barash
Cover of the book Saint Augustine of Hippo: An Intellectual Biography by David P. Barash
Cover of the book How Everyone Became Depressed: The Rise and Fall of the Nervous Breakdown by David P. Barash
Cover of the book Bakkhai by David P. Barash
Cover of the book How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature--Why Modern Readers Need to Know the Difference and What It Means for Faith Today by David P. Barash
Cover of the book Broken Landscape : Indians, Indian Tribes, and the Constitution by David P. Barash
Cover of the book Cultures in Conflict : Christians Muslims and Jews in the Age of Discovery by David P. Barash
Cover of the book Desperate Passage:The Donner Party's Perilous Journey West by David P. Barash
Cover of the book Transforming the Twentieth Century:Technical Innovations and Their Consequences by David P. Barash
Cover of the book Under The March Sun : The Story Of Spring Training by David P. Barash
Cover of the book The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture:The Effect of Early Christological Controversies on the Text of the New Testament by David P. Barash
Cover of the book The Music Instinct:How Music Works and Why We Can't Do Without It by David P. Barash
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