The Emergence of Sex

Author: Goodenough, Ursula

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

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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: http://dx.doi.org/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.

Publication date: 2007-12-01