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Homosexuality: It's Perfectly Natural

Gay relationships abound in animal kingdom

By Michael Foreman, Newser User

Posted May 19, 2008 7:28 PM CDT

(Newser) – It may throw a wrench in Noah's ark-stocking plans, but same-sex relationships appear in many animal species, reports LiveScience.com. The long list of animals that practice gay sex includes bears, penguins, gorillas, and dolphins, among others. But scientists question the act's evolutionary purpose, because it doesn't aid in reproduction. It may be an adaptation for nurturing offspring, or just a dry run.

"It could be a way that you strengthen bonds—that's one hypothesis," says one biologist. "Another is that it could be practice for heterosexual sex."

Yep, even giraffes are gay. One giraffe nuzzles another in this file photo. (Mitch Reardon/Lonely Planet Images) (Mitch Reardon/Lonely Planet Images)

Two bottlenose dolphins kiss in this AP file photo. Dolphin calves display homosexual tendencies and "mount each other a lot," says one biologist. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Flamingos are among the 1,500 animals species known to have homosexual relationships. (AP Photo/Mehgan Murphy/ Smithsonian's National Zoo) (AP Photo/Mehgan Murphy)

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Man Fined After Anti-Gay Facebook Post

Lithuanian called for 'another Hitler to exterminate' gays

'Gay Nativity' Vandalized in California

Cops launch hate crime probe

'Not Gay Enough' Ballplayers Win Settlement

Team with bisexual players stripped of trophy by gay sports group

Homophobia Pervades Penn State Scandal

What if Sandusky had been raping little girls?

Anglican Paper Compares Gay Activists to Nazis

Column by former politician refers to them as 'gaystapo'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

science • homosexuality • nature • biology • biodiversity • gays

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More Newser Stories

Man Fined After Anti-Gay Facebook Post

Lithuanian called for 'another Hitler to exterminate' gays

'Gay Nativity' Vandalized in California

Cops launch hate crime probe

'Not Gay Enough' Ballplayers Win Settlement

Team with bisexual players stripped of trophy by gay sports group

Homophobia Pervades Penn State Scandal

What if Sandusky had been raping little girls?

Anglican Paper Compares Gay Activists to Nazis

Column by former politician refers to them as 'gaystapo'

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Newser By Users

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