Biology Books

Think of Darwinian natural selection and you may think of selfish or competitive behaviour, but this is far from the whole story, says economist Paul Seabright.

The novelist and nature lover T C Boyle tells us about delicious dodos, angry tigers, snakes on planes and why Viagra saves rhinos.

Professor Tim Birkhead is one of the pioneers of spermatology. He explains how promiscuous females can be selective about sperm, even after multiple inseminations

Bats are remarkably like us in many ways — social animals with complex lives, who put a lot of energy into rearing their young. They also make up around one-fifth of the world's mammal species. Phil Richardson, co-founder of the UK's Bat Conservation Trust, recommends five books to learn more about bats around the world.

The differences between men and women are innate, argues the evolutionary psychologist, and men's relative success in the workplace a reflection of desire rather than discrimination.

The term 'eugenics' elicits queasiness amongst those who associate it with the Nazis. But Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and Margaret Sanger were among its many proponents in the interwar period. Why? Philippa Levine, professor of history at the University of Texas, explains.

The Science Correspondent for the Uk's Channel 4 discusses the magical allure of science. He chooses five great books on subjects ranging from genetics to natural history and astro-physics

The Emeritus Professor of Biology at University College, London, talks about five science books that he loves. Touches on subjects ranging from evolutionary biology and neuro-science to risk and religion