Gay penguins aren’t the only ones having a good time. A new study finds that homosexuality has been observed in at least 1000 animal species, and, in an evolutionary twist, might increase survival rates:
The pairing of same sex couples had previously been observed in more than 1,000 species including penguins, dolphins and primates.
However, in the latest study the authors claim the phenomenon is not only widespread but part of a necessary biological adaptation for the survival of the species.
[Dr Nathan Bailey, an evolutionary biologist at California University] said same homosexual behaviour was often a product of natural selection to further the survival of the species.
Dr Bailey said: “It’s clear same-sex sexual behaviour extends far beyond the well-known examples that dominate both the scientific and popular literature – for example, bonobos, dolphins, penguins and fruit flies.
“Same-sex behaviours – courtship, mounting or parenting – are traits that may have been shaped by natural selection, a basic mechanism of evolution that occurs over successive generations,” he said.
“But our review of studies also suggests that these same-sex behaviours might act as selective forces in and of themselves.”
I kind of love this kind of thinking. Homosexuality as a means of passing on one’s genes seems counterintuitive, but he we are.
And, if you haven’t seen it, I’ve added a clip of the National Geographic documentary on homosexuality in animals.
June 18th, 2009 at 4:46 am
:)