Darwin Was Right About Sex Roles

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Darwin Was Right About Sex Roles<br>A major test of sexual selection theory comes down firmly on Darwin's side

Steve Stewart-Williams<br>Aug 08, 2026<br>∙ Paid

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Darwin’s theory of sexual selection is one of the most powerful ideas in evolutionary biology. It’s also one of the most controversial. Is it really true, as Darwin proposed, that sexual selection acts more strongly on males than females? Is it really true that males across the animal kingdom are more ornamented and better built for combat, whereas females are more parental? Or are these just evolutionary myths based on Victorian norms and a handful of cherry-picked examples?<br>A major cross-species analysis put Darwin’s theory to an unusually ambitious test, looking at sexual selection, ornaments, weaponry, and parental care across the animal world. The results provide a clear verdict on Darwin’s thesis - while also highlighting some fascinating exceptions that point to a deeper explanation for evolved sex differences.

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