"In The Sexual Evolution, Lents takes readers on a journey through the animal world, from insects to apes, revealing what the incredible array of sexual diversity can teach us about our own diverse beauty. Nature, it turns out, has made a lot of space for diverse genders and sexual behaviors. And why? Because when it comes to evolution--diversity wins. This is not just a political or social message, instead it's rooted in science and cultivated from understanding the full breadth of sexuality that exists throughout the world. With shades of both Frans de Waal and Esther Perel, Lents's storytelling is as fascinating as it is topical, offering eye-opening stories about the diversity of animal life, while relating it to our own sexual journey as a species. At once a forceful rebuttal to bigotry and a captivating dive into the secret sex lives of animals, The Sexual Evolution is the rare book of pop science that leans into the controversy. Sex, the reactionaries say, should only be for procreation between a man and a woman, anything else goes against nature. Well, nature would like a word with them." --

In The Sexual Evolution, Lents explores the diverse range of sexual behaviors and gender expressions found across the animal kingdom, from insects to primates, shedding light on the broader patterns of sexuality in nature. He demonstrates that evolution often favors diversity, as varied strategies can enhance survival and adaptation. This perspective, grounded in science, draws from the wide variety of sexual practices found in nature, offering insights into human sexuality. With a narrative style reminiscent of Frans de Waal and Esther Perel, Lents combines storytelling with scientific exploration, highlighting both the complexity of animal behavior and the broader implications for human sexual development. The book serves as both an examination of the natural world and a thoughtful response to conventional views on sex and reproduction