On Humans An Essential Difference? Males, Females, and the Spaces In Between ~ Augustín Fuentes
May 9, 2025
Augustín Fuentes, a Princeton Professor of biological anthropology and author of 'Sex Is a Spectrum', discusses the complexities of human sex and gender. He challenges the binary view of male and female, emphasizing that biological categories are not so clear-cut. Their conversation touches on fascinating animal examples, from hermaphroditic worms to sex-changing fish, and critiques traditional gender roles in caregiving. Fuentes advocates for understanding sex and gender as a spectrum, prompting a deeper look at human nature and relationships.
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Sex Is More Than Binary
- Sexual reproduction involves two gamete types, but animal sex biology rarely fits a strict binary.
- Some fish and worms change sex or have both reproductive systems, challenging binary categorization.
Earthworms Are Fully Intersex
- Earthworms are fascinating because they are fully intersex, having both male and female reproductive organs simultaneously.
- They can either mate with another worm or self-fertilize, showcasing flexibility uncommon in many animals.
Primates Show Diverse Care Roles
- Some primates like owl monkeys and tamarins show male-led infant care, sometimes with fathers doing most of the carrying.
- This variation in parental care challenges assumptions about strict female caregiving in mammals.
