Nature's Sexual Spectrum

Gabi's Review

Nature's Sexual Spectrum  by Josh Davis explores the diverse range of sexual behaviours, biological variance, and reproductive configurations present in species of the natural world. The book scientifically demonstrates the complex ways in which nature organises sex, far transcending our binary notions of gender. Josh Davis examines the intricate interplay between genes and hormones, environment and chance in the determination of sexual reproduction and gender expression in various organisms within the kingdoms of flora and fauna.

Beautifully laid out with photographic examples, the book challenges readers to re-evaluate their assumptions of gender biases towards what is natural. In some species gender is a fluid option adapting to conditions and swapping completely in expression, in response to exploiting a niche. At a time where opinion divides and polarises us in an unprecedented way, a book like this is a refreshing irrefutable rationale, inviting us to engage with the subject of diversity with wonder rather than division.

Publishers Reviews

'A very welcome slap on the wrist for those who so ignorantly claim that same-sex love, intimacy and bonding are "unnatural". Josh Davis's splendid book is a most useful settler of arguments and silencer of bigots' - Stephen Fry

Nature's Sexual Spectrum is a celebration of the astonishing diversity of sexual behaviour, biology and reproduction found in nature. From penguins to primates, same-sex behaviours and courtship are more widespread in the natural world than many people realise, while how nature organises sex is not always as straightforward as usually thought.

Davis considers how, in many different organisms - both animals and plants - sexual reproduction and determination rely on a surprisingly complex interaction between genes, hormones, environment and chance. We meet turtles whose sex is determined by the incubation temperature of their eggs and butterflies that embody male and female biological tissue in the same organism. He also reveals animal and plant behaviours in nature that have previously either been covered up or explained away, and presents animal behaviours that challenge us to rethink our assumptions and prejudices.