US EditionBiologists Reveal How Same-Sex Sexual Behavior May Have Given Some Primates an Evolutionary Advantage
A review of over 1,700 studies found same-sex sexual behavior in 59 primate species linked to social complexity and environmental stress, highlighting its evolutionary role, researchers said.
- On Monday, researchers at Imperial College London published a Nature Ecology & Evolution paper analysing 491 non-human primates and documenting same-sex intimacy in 59 species with repeat occurrences in 23.
- Researchers linked same-sex intimacy to dry or harsh environments, high predation risk, and complex social hierarchies where sex helps species like Barbary macaques and baboons manage competition.
- Using more than 1,700 past publications, researchers defined same-sex intimacy as mounting, genital touching, genital inspection and fellatio, including both male-male and female-female interactions.
- The findings suggest sexual behaviour serves broader social roles and may reshape understanding of primates' social systems, but authors of the Nature Ecology & Evolution paper caution against misapplying results to modern human identities.
- Researchers hope the study encourages more fieldwork despite underreporting and funding limits, noting hominid species 1.5 million years ago faced similar pressures shaping behavior.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Biologists Reveal How Same-Sex Sexual Behavior May Have Given Some Primates an Evolutionary Advantage
Nonhuman primates like bonobos and chimpanzees might engage in same-sex sexual activities to strengthen bonds, particularly in harsh environments or within strict social structures, a new study suggests
Chimpanzees, mountain gorillas and barbarians have a lot in common – one of them is that they have same-sex sex. In fact, this is likely to have been created for a very specific reason, and the whole group benefits from it. The fact that there is same-sex sex among non-human primates has been known for a long time. Although it is not necessary for reproduction, researchers have now found out what important function it fulfils instead, because sa…
There is sex between animals of the same sex in many primates. A new study suggests: It is beneficial to cope under difficult conditions and to solve social conflicts.
Before viewing it as a “darwinian paradox”, homosexuality among animals may have evolutionary advantages and an hereditary component, according to a new study that analyzed thousands of species.
A large study published this Monday looks at homosexual behaviour in non-human primates. It shows that they have ancient evolutionary roots and depend on multiple factors related to the environment and social structure."The diversity of sexual behaviour is very common in nature, among species and in animal societies; as important as taking care of their young, fighting a predator or looking for food," explains Vincent Savolainen, the main author…
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