Gay Behaviour is the Norm for Most Animals, Experts Find
October 9, 2023From lemurs to apes, spiders, fish and a variety of birds, gay behaviour is the norm for most animals, research has found.
Scientists studied homosexual acts in more than 1,500 species and concluded that same-sex displays evolved repeatedly to increase social bonding and reduce conflict.
They found that gay behaviour is equally common in female and male animals but that homosexual acts among the latter were more likely in species with adulticide.
This is where adult males often kill a rival — suggesting that same-sex displays may be an adaptation to mitigate against the risks of such violent conflict, the researchers said according to ‘Daily Mail’.
Experts led by Spain's Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas reviewed the scientific literature related to gay behaviour in animals and created a database of their findings.
This included examples of homosexual acts in invertebrates – such as insects and nematodes – vertebrates, including amphibians and reptiles, and non-human primates.
The researchers then set about tracing the evolution of this behaviour, which scientists call the ‘Darwinian paradox’.
That is – why do animals practice same-sex sexual activity when it has no obvious evolutionary benefit and could lead to extinction if all members of species practice it?
Image Credit: Canva
Their analysis showed that same-sex displays were more likely to evolve in social species, which led them to conclude that such behaviour helps establish and maintain positive social relationships.
They added that this could in turn increase bonds and alliances between members of the same group.
“Since it does not contribute directly to reproduction, same-sex sexual behaviour is considered an evolutionary conundrum,” the authors wrote in their paper.
“Our analysis... suggests that it may play an adaptive role in maintaining social relationships and mitigating conflict.”
The scientists said same-sex sex behaviour in animals has also been linked to mistaken identity, the limited availability of individuals of the opposite sex and the consequences of sexual frustration when individuals are refused by members of the other sex.
Examples of some of the species that have been observed carrying out homosexual acts are bonobos, chimpanzees, bighorn sheep, lions, wolves, and several species of wild goat, the authors said.
However, they were quick to caution that the findings should not be used to explain the evolution of sexual orientation in humans.
This is because the study focused on short-term courtship or mating interactions, the researchers said, rather than a more permanent sexual preference.
The study has been published in the journal Nature Communications.
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