This work investigates the evolutionary origins and physiological mechanisms governing sexual behavior across the primate order, including prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans. Alan F. Dixson, a specialist in primate reproductive biology, synthesizes extensive empirical data to construct a comparative framework for understanding sexual selection, mating systems, and hormonal regulation. The text argues that human sexual behavior is best understood when contextualized within the broader evolutionary history of the primate lineage.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational reference text for students and researchers in primatology and evolutionary biology. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose and the comprehensive nature of the data provided.