This superb biological survey by a well-known natural history writer is a magnificent lesson in evolution focused on the historical development of one of the most important animal instincts. Wendt describes the multifarious and often unbelievable processes of reproduction that have evolved in nature to guarantee the continuation of specific forms of animal life. He has surveyed the significant literature and quotes liberally from great investigators (Fabre, Lorenz, Darwin, Beebe, Kinsey and a host of other scientific ""detectives""). He traces the styles of reproduction (including varieties of courtship, child care, etc.) from the one-celled ""animal"" to the mammal. In proceeding through the 12 phyla of animal life, he relates incredible scientific searches for facts that once found are themselves no less incredible for their bizarre, outlandish, yet efficient forms. There is more to be learned here than the subject it illuminates -- about the nature of the scientist, the scientific quest, physical evolution, and the fantastic ingenuity of life-forms.