The Emergence of Sex

Author: Goodenough, Ursula1

Source: Zygon, Volume 42, Number 4, December 2007 , pp. 857-872(16)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Biological traits, the foci of natural selection, are by definition emergent from the genes, proteins, and other “nothing-buts” that constitute them. Moreover, and with the exception of recently emergent “spandrels,” each can be accorded a teleological dimension—each is “for” some purpose conducive to an organism's continuation. Sex, which is “for” the generation of recombinant genomes, may be one of the most ancient and ubiquitous traits in biology. In the course of its evolution, many additional traits, such as gender and nurture, have emerged. Patterns of sexual exchange are the basis for patterns of biological evolution and are central to the process of eukaryotic speciation. Human sexuality is central to our selves.

Keywords: death; evolution; gender; recombination; sex; sexuality; speciation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.2007.00877.x

Affiliations: 1: Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology, Box 1137, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130;, Email: ursula@biology2.wustl.edu.

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$41.89 plus tax      Refund Policy

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A