Why Is Sex Fun?

The Evolution of Human Sexuality

By: Jared Diamond

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

To us humans, the sex lives of many animals seem weird. In fact, by comparison with all the other animals, we are the ones with the weird sex lives. How did that come to be?Just count our bizarre ways. We are the only social species to insist on carrying out sex privately. Stranger yet, we have sex at any time, even when the female can't be fertilized (for example, because she is already pregnant, post-menopausal, or between fertile cycles). A human female doesn't know her precise time of fertility and certainly doesn't advertise it to human males by the striking color changes, smells, and sounds used by other female mammals. 

Why do we differ so radically in these and other important aspects of our sexuality from our closest ancestor, the apes? Why does the human female, virtually alone among mammals go through menopause? Why does the human male stand out as one of the few mammals to stay (often or usually) with the female he impregnates, to help raise the children that he sired? Why is the human penis so unnecessarily large? 

There is no one better qualified than Jared Diamond - renowned expert in the fields of physiology and evolutionary biology and award-winning author - to explain the evolutionary forces that operated on our ancestors to make us sexually different. With wit and a wealth of fascinating examples, he explains how our sexuality has been as crucial as our large brains and upright posture in our rise to human status.

©1997 Jared Diamond (P)2018 Recorded Books

Great book, but a bit short for the subject

Like the book but I find it a bit short for the subject and it didn’t touch on some points of other books discussing the same subjects.

Sex and science but not what you think

This book was interesting however I was looking for information about why sex fun or how to make it fun. I found an interest in the biology and behavioral components so it was a great and informative.

NOT voyeurism!

Well read & answers many questions about things not covered in my Biology class. Animals run around naked & have no shame while we humans dress up our private parts. Are those who dress in a provocative manner showing our animal propensities?

Very Interesting!

Great information as usual and very well delivered in a way that is not embarrassing to listen to.

Definately a good read

What a refreshing book. Packed with wonderful science and awesome explanations.

Diamond is just such an amazing Reseacher.