1 / 7On the Origin of Sex: The Weird and Wonderful Science of How Our Planet is Populated
Weird Wonderful Planet Populated: On the Origin of Sex is Lixing Sun’s exploration of the varied ways organisms reproduce, from sex-changing clownfish to slime moulds with hundreds of mating types. Its natural-world focus makes it a popular-science choice for readers curious about biology beyond human reproduction.
At a glance
- Explores the science and diversity of reproduction across the natural world.
- Examples include sex-changing clownfish, temperature-dependent sex reversal in bearded dragons and the many mating types of slime moulds.
- The listing describes the book as an engaging biological exploration, rather than a guide focused on human sex.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- The broad range of organisms offers a different perspective on reproduction than a human-focused account.
- The examples span animals, plants and fungi, supporting readers interested in biological variety.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Profile Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 5 Mar. 2026 |
| Edition | Main |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 368 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1805223283 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1805223283 |
| Weight listed | 570 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.2 x 3.8 x 24 cm |
Who is it for?
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
65% 65% - 4 stars
0% 0% - 3 stars
35% 35% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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The available aggregate ratings lean positive, though a substantial portion is in the three-star category. This small rating sample offers only a limited indication of reader reception and does not identify specific strengths or complaints.
Frequently asked questions
What does On the Origin of Sex cover?
It explores reproductive strategies across the natural world, with examples involving animals, plants and fungi.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 368 pages.
Is it focused on human sex?
No. The description emphasises reproduction in the wider natural world rather than human sex.
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