A groundbreaking study unveils the prevalence of same-sex behaviour among monkeys, challenging conventional notions of what is considered “natural.”
Conducted by scientists from the Imperial College of London, the study observed a group of rhesus macaques over three years in Puerto Rico, revealing that male monkeys engage in same-sex encounters more often than heterosexual ones.
SEX ADVANCES
The research findings published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution indicated that a significant 72% of the observed male monkeys either engaged in or received sexual advances from other males, while only 46% participated in heterosexual interactions. This discovery has sparked intrigue among scientists, who have offered various theories to explain same-sex behaviour in animals, including factors such as dominance establishment or a means to relieve tension.
However, the researchers propose a novel theory supported by their observations. They note that male monkeys who engage in same-sex encounters possess an evolutionary advantage over their heterosexual counterparts. These bisexual macaques demonstrated a tendency to support their male partners in fights and engaged in sexual activities with females. Interestingly, the study found that these bisexual monkeys had more offspring compared to their heterosexual counterparts, potentially indicating a reproductive advantage.
GENETIC INFLUENCE
Furthermore, the study explored the heritability of same-sex behaviour in monkeys and discovered a 6.4% genetic influence. While this percentage may appear relatively low, it aligns with other heritable behaviours identified in monkeys, such as grooming and sociality. Understanding the genetic basis of behaviours, even to a modest extent, provides valuable insights into the complex nature of sexuality across species.
Vincent Savolainen, biologist and lead author of the study, highlights the significance of these findings in challenging societal beliefs and promoting a better understanding of sexual diversity. Same-sex behaviour, he emphasizes, is prevalent among non-human animals, debunking the notion of it being “unnatural.” The study encourages a more inclusive perspective and may contribute to dismantling discriminatory views surrounding homosexuality.
By studying same-sex behaviour in monkeys, researchers hope to gain insights into the variability of sexual behaviour across species, fostering greater acceptance and appreciation of diverse sexual orientations in both the animal kingdom and human society.