US EditionScientists Reveal What Drives Homosexual Behaviour in Primates
Researchers identified same-sex behavior in 59 primate species, linking it to harsh environments, predator presence, and social hierarchies, suggesting evolutionary and social benefits.
- Nature Ecology & Evolution published a comparative analysis of 491 non‑human primate species on January 12, 2026, identifying same‑sex behaviour in 59 species with deep evolutionary roots.
- Questioning the so‑called 'Darwinian paradox', researchers cited historical reports dating to Aristotle and over 1,500 species with such behaviour, prompting analysis.
- Field examples such as barbary macaques and vervet monkeys illustrate links with food scarcity and predation, while species with strong sexual size dimorphism like mountain gorillas show higher same-sex behaviour.
- The study concluded same‑sex behaviour may serve flexible social roles, and study authors warned against misinterpretation, noting modern humans have unique sexual orientation complexity.
- The 2023 macaque study showed a heritable component with more than 6% heritability, and researchers say modern comparative methods could illuminate evolutionary complexities in human ancestors.
26 Articles
26 Articles
The authors found that homosexual behavior is common in species from hostile environments or at high risk of predation.
Homosexual behavior in non-human primates has evolutionary advantages, such as strengthening social bonds and reducing tensions within groups. This is evident from a study in Nature Ecology & Evolution. "It allows them to better cope with the challenges they face."
Scientists reveal what drives homosexual behaviour in primates
Homosexual behaviour in primates has a deep evolutionary basis and is more likely to occur in species that live in harsh environments, are hunted by predators or live in more complex societies, scientists said Monday.
Scientists reveal what drives homosexual behavior in primates
Homosexual behavior in primates has a deep evolutionary basis and is more likely to occur in species that live in harsh environments, are hunted by predators or live in more complex societies, scientists said Monday.
A study published in 'Nature' on 500 species of non-human primates suggests that homosexuality arises, above all, in species that live long lives in hostile environments, with many predators
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