The biology of human sexuality : evolution, ecology and physiology

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Authors

Bateman, Philip W.
Bennett, Nigel Charles

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Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria

Abstract

Many evolutionary biologists argue that human sexual behaviour can be studied in exactly the same way as that of other species. Many sociologists argue that social influences effectively obscure, and are more important than, a reductionist biological approach to human sexual behaviour. Here, we authors attempt to provide a broad introduction to human sexual behaviour from a biological standpoint and to indicate where the ambiguous areas are. We outline the evolutionary selective pressures that are likely to have influenced human behaviour and mate choice in the past and in the present; ecological features that influence such things as degree of parental care and polygamy; and the associated physiology of human sexuality. Then they end with a discussion of 'abnormal' sexuality.

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Keywords

Human sexuality, Human beings -- Sexual behavior, Sexual behavior -- Physiological aspects

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Bateman, PW & Bennett, NC 2006, 'The biology of human sexuality : evolution, ecology and physiology', Verbum et Ecclesia, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 245-264. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_verbum.html]