The bizarre sexual life of animals
A fun to read encyclopaedia with entries
from A like albatross to Z like zebra
By Michael Miersch
Hardcover edition: Eichborn Verlag
Frankfurt am Main 1999
ISBN 3-8218-1519-1
316 pages, 22,90 Euros
Paperback edition: Piper
Munich 2001
ISBN 3-492-23009-1
343 pages, 9,90 Euros
Summary
It is a well known fact: sex makes the world go around and seemingly endless varieties are known to man. But what about other creatures, how do they "do it"? Entertaining and well-informed answers can be found in this little encyclopaedia.
Did you know that the male marsupial mouse finds sex so exhausting he drops dead immediately afterwards? Or that male porpoises can smell with their penises? That the queens of naked mole rats have 2 or 3 lovers but that for their workers intercourse is out of the question? Albatrosses court each other for four years before venturing to enter a monogamous marriage lasting over 20 years. Homosexuality is very common among gulls and guinea pigs and elephants masturbate with their trunks. Or have you ever heard about the very graceful sex act of sea horses?
Here you can read all about these hot topics and find out more about bizarre and bewildering courtship in the animal kingdom. This book describes the love acts of finches and flittermice, hens and hyenas, porcupines and porpoises. Bizarre courtship displays, strange genitalia and the ever astounding tricks creatures employ to get together. This introduction to the wondrous world of the creaturely sex drive provides insights into the romantic bill and cooing of birds or the very good manners earthworms display "in bed" and shows us that ultimately animals are only human too!
Reviews
"There is more to this subject than the human imagination can fathom."
Die Welt
"You should read this book because it is delightfully funny and satisfies your curiosity."
WDR
"Miersch brings to light what zoologists have kept looked away in the poison cabinet."
Focus
"With numerous graphic examples and scientific proof Michael Miersch proves: in the animal kingdom nothing is impossible."
ORF
Copyright © 1996-2011 Dirk Maxeiner and Michael Miersch.
All rights reserved.
