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The Evolution of Beauty
448 pages, 2018
science & nature
1064 booksIn a major scientific shake-up, Richard Prum presents a stunning reassessment of the most basic questions--What makes animals look like what they do? and Why do they behave as they do?--in evolutionary biology. He shows how female mating preferences have driven much of the peacock's plumage, the spread of the African honey bee across the world, even our own peculiarities: uniquely human traits such as men not just courting women but also urging them to wear their hair long were crafted over millennia by sexual selection.
In The Evolution of Beauty, Richard O. Prum explores the concept of beauty in nature. He argues that beauty is not just a byproduct of evolution, but a driving force behind it. This means that animals, including humans, evolve not just for survival, but also for aesthetic reasons.
Prum digs into the concept of sexual selection, which is often overlooked in favor of natural selection. He suggests that sexual selection, where animals choose their mates based on their attractiveness, plays a significant role in evolution. This is a fresh perspective that challenges traditional views.
The book introduces the idea of aesthetic evolution. This is the idea that animals evolve to be more attractive to their potential mates, not just more fit for survival. It's a fascinating concept that encourages us to look at nature in a new light.
Prum isn't afraid to challenge established theories. In The Evolution of Beauty, he critiques Darwinism, arguing that it doesn't fully explain the complexity and diversity of life on Earth. This is a bold move that invites readers to question what they thought they knew about evolution.
The Evolution of Beauty isn't just about animals. Prum also explores what his theories mean for human evolution. He suggests that our own species has been shaped by aesthetic evolution, which has implications for how we understand ourselves and our place in the natural world.
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Prum's book is a magnificent exploration of the intricate details of nature's beauty, as well as a compelling argument for how we should view evolution.
David Rothenberg - Philosopher, MusicianThe Evolution of Beauty is a unique and thought-provoking journey through the aesthetics of nature, where beauty is not just a by-product of natural selection but a driving force behind evolution itself.
Ed Yong - Science JournalistPrum's book is a fascinating exploration of the role of beauty in evolution, challenging traditional Darwinian views and offering a fresh perspective on the natural world.
Elizabeth Kolbert - Author, JournalistThe Evolution of Beauty is a groundbreaking work that challenges our understanding of evolution, offering a new perspective on the role of beauty in the natural world.
Carl Zimmer - Science Writer