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The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex

by Charles Darwin (1809–1882)

  • Free to read
  • 20 hours to read
  • 25 chapters
  • Reading level: 10th to 12th grade

"The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex" by Charles Darwin is a scientific publication written during the late 19th century. In this work, Darwin explores the origins and evolution of humans, focusing on their development from lower forms of life and discussing the processes of natural and sexual selection. The book seeks to build on Darwin's earlier theories, applying them specifically to the human species and providing a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of human evolution. The opening of the work serves as an introduction, outlining Darwin's motivations and intentions for the book. He reflects on the acceptance of evolutionary theory within the scientific community and the importance of understanding human origins in a similar light to other species. Darwin sets the stage for his exploration by highlighting key themes such as descent, variability, and the role of both natural and sexual selection in shaping human traits. He emphasizes that humans share a close anatomical and developmental relationship with other mammals, pointing out evidence from embryology and comparative anatomy that supports the idea of common descent. The beginning establishes a foundation for the detailed examination of human evolution that follows, engaging readers with the profound implications of Darwin's observations and conclusions.

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  • Evolution (Biology)
  • Human beings · Origin
  • Sexual selection in animals
  • Sexual dimorphism (Animals)
  • Sex differences

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Part I: The Descent or Origin of Man

CHAPTER I. THE EVIDENCE OF THE DESCENT OF MAN FROM SOME LOWER FORM. Nature of the evidence bearing on the origin of man—Homologous structures in man and the lower animals—Miscellaneous points of correspondence—Development—Rudimentary structures, muscles, sense-organs, hair, bones, reproductive organs, etc.—The bearing of these three great classes of facts on the origin of man.

CHAPTER II. ON THE MANNER OF DEVELOPMENT OF MAN FROM SOME LOWER FORM. Variability of body and mind in man—Inheritance—Causes of variability—Laws of variation the same in man as in the lower animals—Direct action of the conditions of life—Effects of the increased use and disuse of parts—Arrested development—Reversion—Correlated variation—Rate of increase—Checks to increase—Natural selection—Man the most dominant animal in the world—Importance of his corporeal structure—The causes which have led to his becoming erect—Consequent changes of structure—Decrease in size of the canine teeth—Increased size and altered shape of the skull—Nakedness —Absence of a tail—Defenceless condition of man.

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Contents

Show all 25 chapters
  1. Front Matter
  2. Part I: The Descent or Origin of Man
  3. Part II: Sexual Selection
  4. Part III: Sexual Selection in Relation to Man, and Conclusion
  5. Part III: Sexual Selection in Relation to Man, and Conclusion
  6. Introduction
  7. Part I: The Descent or Origin of Man
  8. Chapter I: The Evidence of the Descent of Man from Some Lower Form
  9. Chapter II: On the Manner of Development of Man from Some Lower Form
  10. Chapter III: Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and the Lower Animals
  11. Chapter IV: Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and the Lower Animals — continued
  12. Chapter VI: On the Affinities and Genealogy of Man
  13. Chapter VII: On the Races of Man
  14. Part II: Sexual Selection
  15. Chapter VIII: Principles of Sexual Selection
  16. Chapter IX: Secondary Sexual Characters in the Lower Classes of the Animal Kingdom
  17. Chapter X: Secondary Sexual Characters of Insects
  18. Chapter XI: INSECTS, continued. Order Lepidoptera. (Butterflies and Moths.)
  19. Chapter XII: Secondary Sexual Characters of Fishes, Amphibians, and Reptiles
  20. Chapter XIII: Secondary Sexual Characters of Birds
  21. Chapter XIV: Birds — continued
  22. Chapter XV: Birds — continued
  23. Chapter XVI: Birds — concluded
  24. Chapter XVII: Secondary Sexual Characters of Mammals
  25. Chapter XVIII: Secondary Sexual Characters of Mammals — continued
  26. Part III: Sexual Selection in Relation to Man, and Conclusion
  27. Chapter XIX: Secondary Sexual Characters of Man
  28. Chapter XX: Secondary Sexual Characters of Man — continued
  29. Chapter XXI: General a Summary and Conclusion

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About this edition

This free edition of The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex by Charles Darwin comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #2300, released 2000-08-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: History - Modern (1750+), Science - Biology.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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