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date: 06 December 2019

Abstract and Keywords

This chapter surveys biological research on selected topics in human sexuality and reproduction. It begins with a brief introduction to the approaches of evolutionary biology and behavioural genetics. Subsequent sections survey insights offered by these disciplines into the evolutionary origins of sex, sexual selection theory and human mating strategies, sexual diversity (particularly same-sex attraction and sexual behaviour), and sexual dimorphism and intersex. Critical perspectives on these topics from biologists and others are discussed, and a concluding section outlines some issues of concern to theologians engaging with this material.

Keywords: evolutionary psychology, behavioural genetics, evolution of sex, sexual selection theory, parental investment theory, sex determination, intersex, theological ethics

Neil Messer

Neil Messer, Professor of Theology at the University of Winchester.

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