In this comprehensive study, Cooke compiles research from various scientists who have dedicated their careers to understanding animal behaviors, specifically the long-ignored female evolutionary biology. I adore Cooke's investigation of all species to demonstrate the multiple roles females play in the animal kingdom that transcends the traditionally-emphasized roles of childbearing and rearing. For those looking for a fun nonfiction read about animals, look no further!

1. Y chromosome loses about 10 genes per million years, and it's projected to lose its entirety in 4.5 million years
2. sexual monogamy is rare; only found in less than 7% of known species
3. female peacock spiders eat their suiters when they ignore her signals, i.e., when they don't listen
4. only 1 in 10 mammalian species exhibit direct male care. In birds, 90% of avian couples share parental care; in fish, 2/3 of single dads do all the nursing
5. adoption has been recorded in at least 120 mammals, from elephants to shrews
6. meerkat is the most murderous mammal on the planet, beating even humans. 1/5 meerkats born are likely to be killed by another of their own
7. of the 5k species of mammal, only 4 species of toothed whale and humans live through menopause naturally in the wild
8. the mourning gecko is an all-female population that clones itself without needing any male inputs
9. reef fish can undergo natural sex changes during their adult life based on social stimuli. Chalk bass can switch sex up to 20 times a day
10. the anemonefish is one of the few species that start as males and transition into females based on environment queues