November 20, 2007
Despite flash, males are simple creatures. Females evolve slower, but it's because they're more complex
From MSNBC:
The secret to why male organisms evolve faster than their female counterparts comes down to this: Males are simple creatures. In nearly all species, males seem to ramp up glitzier garbs, more graceful dance moves and more melodic warbles in a never-ending vie to woo the best mates. Called sexual selection, the result is typically a showy male and a plain-Jane female. Evolution speeds along in the males compared to females.
The idea that males evolve more quickly than females has been around since 19th century biologist Charles Darwin observed the majesty of a peacock's tail feather in comparison with those of the drab peahen.
More here.
Posted by Azra Raza at 06:03 AM | Permalink
Comments
I am almost without fail impressed with the posts here on 3QD. However, in this instance, I must take issue. This article is an idiotic abuse of evolutionary theory, likely to provide a headline that (surprise!) reinforces an uber-conventional view of the sexes. More or less, the only fact contained herein is not news: that having a single X chromosome makes the male more vulnerable to expression of recessive genes. This has been common knowledge for some time, along with the accompanying implications for disease. I am disappointed that this blog would link to an article that utilizes a pedestrian Cliff's Notes fact about evolution to reinforce ever-present gender stereotypes. Unless the readership here needs reaffirmation that men are flashy yet simple, and women are reserved yet complex.
Posted by: Steven | Nov 20, 2007 2:34:29 PM
Actually, Steven, one needs to be reminded of your last(and beautifully stated) point as often as possible, as long as one keeps meeting men who are reserved, yet simple, and women who are flashy, yet complex.
Posted by: Elatia Harris | Nov 20, 2007 4:21:35 PM
Post a comment