The Descent of Man

by Charles Darwin

Overview

Considered one of the most significant pieces of his life's work, Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man forever shaped our understanding of human evolution.

Picked apart in 1871 for its controversial content, Darwin's findings explore two essential facets of evolutionary theory: natural selection and sexual selection. Pointing to undeniable anatomical, mental, and social similarities, Darwin asserts not just that all races of humanity share a single origin, but that we share common ancestors with other animals and have evolved in similar ways. Under sexual selection, he argues that females choosing among competing males has determined our differentiating racial characteristics.

Though aspects of Descent have been met with contention to this day, this book is a must-read for anyone curious about humanity and its origin.

Featuring an appendix of discussion questions, this Diversion Classics edition is ideal for use in book groups and classrooms.

For more classic titles like this, visit www.diversionbooks.com/ebooks/diversion-classics

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781682307618
Publisher:	Diversion Books
Publication date:	06/28/2016
Series:	Diversion Classics
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	245
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Charles Darwin (1809–1882) was an English naturalist and geologist best known for his contributions to the field of evolutionary biology. After sailing around the world on the HMS Beagle in 1831, Darwin wrote On the Origin of Species, which put forth his theory of natural selection.
 

Date of Birth:

February 12, 1809

Date of Death:

April 19, 1882

Place of Birth:

Shrewsbury, England

Place of Death:

London, England

Education:

B.A. in Theology, Christ¿s College, Cambridge University, 1831

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Dover Edition v

The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex

Introduction xxv

Part I The Descent Or Origin Of Man

I The Evidence of the Descent of Man From Some Lower Form 3

II Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and the Lower Animals 17

III Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and the Lower Animals, continued 40

IV On the Manner of Development of Man from Some Lower Form 64

V On the Development of the Intellectual and Moral Faculties during Primeval and Civilised Times 95

VI On the Affinities and Genealogy of Man 112

VII On the Races of Man 131

Part II Sexual Selection

VIII Principles of Sexual Selection 155

IX Secondary Sexual Characters in the Lower Classes of the Animal Kingdom 188

X Secondary Sexual Characters of Insects 194

XI Insects, continued. Order Lepidoptera 197

XII Secondary Sexual Characters of Fishes, Amphibians, and Reptiles 221

XIII Secondary Sexual Characters of Birds 232

XIV Birds, continued 265

XV Birds, continued 299

XVI Birds, concluded 318

XVII Secondary Sexual Characters of Mammals 353

XVIII Secondary Sexual Characters of Mammals, continued 370

XIX Secondary Sexual Characters of Man 393

XX Secondary Sexual Characters of Man, continued 417

XXI General Summary and Conclusion 436

Index 451

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

One of the ten most significant books. (Sigmund Freud)"

Editorial Reviews

[Darwin’s] second great book . . . An intellectually daring feat.” —Richard O. Prum, in The Evolution of Beauty

From the Publisher