Adam's Curse
| Author | Brian Sykes |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Bantam Press |
Publication date | 2003 |
| Publication place | United kingdom |
| Pages | 320 |
| ISBN | 978-0-393-05896-3 |
Adam's Curse: A Future Without Men is a 2003 popular science book by Bryan Sykes, a British geneticist best known for his work on human ancestry and the Y chromosome. The book presents the argument that the Y chromosome is gradually deteriorating and may eventually lead to the extinction of men.[1]
Overview
[edit]In Adam’s Curse, Sykes proposes that the Y chromosome, which determines male sex in humans, is undergoing genetic decay. Because it lacks a partner chromosome to recombine with during meiosis, it cannot effectively repair mutations, making it vulnerable to degeneration over evolutionary timescales.[1]
Sykes hypothesizes that if this decay continues, men may become extinct within 100,000 years.[1] He explores possible outcomes, including asexual reproduction, cloning, and female-only societies, arguing that advances in reproductive science could eventually allow humans to reproduce without men.[2]
Key Arguments
[edit]- Genetic Degeneration: The Y chromosome contains fewer genes than other chromosomes and lacks recombination, increasing mutation accumulation.[1]
- Male Extinction: Extrapolating from current decay rates, Sykes suggests men could go extinct over evolutionary timescales.[1]
- Female Reproduction: Technologies such as parthenogenesis or creating sperm from female cells may eventually render males biologically unnecessary.[2]
Reception
[edit]The book received broad media attention for its bold premise and engaging narrative. It was praised for popularizing complex genetic concepts for general audiences.
However, some scientists criticized the core thesis as overstated and speculative, noting that the Y chromosome contains mechanisms (such as palindromic sequences) that help preserve its genetic integrity.[3]
Author
[edit]Bryan Sykes (1947–2020) was a professor of human genetics at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Wolfson College. He gained public attention through his earlier bestsellers The Seven Daughters of Eve and Blood of the Isles.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Adam's Curse : A Future Without Men". Goodreads. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
- ^ a b "Erratum". Nature. 426 (6964): 246–246. 2003-11-20. doi:10.1038/426246a. ISSN 0028-0836.
- ^ Jobling, Mark A.; Tyler-Smith, Chris (November 1995). "Fathers and sons: the Y chromosome and human evolution". Trends in Genetics. 11 (11): 449–456. doi:10.1016/s0168-9525(00)89144-1. ISSN 0168-9525.
- ^ Moorhouse, Sarah (2024-04-11), "Sykes, Bryan Clifford (1947–2020), geneticist and entrepreneur", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-861412-8, retrieved 2025-06-24
- Sykes, Bryan (2003), Adam's Curse: A Future Without Men, Bantam, ISBN 0-593-05004-5
External links
[edit]- Review of Adam's Curse from The Daily Telegraph
- Review of Adam's Curse in The Journal of Clinical Investigation
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