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Gay Animals Key to Species' Survival: Study

'Same-sex behavior' seen all over animal kingdom

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 17, 2009 8:50 AM CDT

(Newser) – Homosexual behavior is almost everywhere among animals—penguins, dolphins, even fruit flies. And same-sex bonds may be a key adaptation that helps species survive, the Daily Telegraph reports. One-third of a Hawaiian albatross population is raised by two moms because there are so few males, researchers observed. That adaptation has helped a once-limited population to thrive, a new study finds.

“Same-sex behaviors—courtship, mounting, or parenting—are traits that may have been shaped by natural selection, a basic mechanism of evolution that occurs over successive generations,” said a study co-author. He added, “Our review of studies also suggests that these same-sex behaviors might act as selective forces in and of themselves."

Homosexual behavior has been seen among dolphins.
Homosexual behavior has been seen among dolphins.   (Shutterstock)
The laysan albatross population has boomed thanks to pairs of moms.
The laysan albatross population has boomed thanks to pairs of moms.   (AP Photo/U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hagerty, Ryan )
Homosexual behavior has been observed in penguins.
Homosexual behavior has been observed in penguins.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
rajanKazhmin
Jun 18, 2009 7:02 AM CDT
ANOTHER LEFT WING CONSPIRACY DESTROYING OUR CHRISTIAN NATION
atonausar
Jun 18, 2009 5:48 AM CDT
Procreation and preservation of species brings all resources to bear that will ensure survival. "Gay animals" is just an anthropomorphic definition of a survival strategy for an organism in response to environmental stress. Feebly construed responses provide no illumination and diminishes us all.
JonmarkP
Jun 18, 2009 4:54 AM CDT
How old were you when you chose to be gay, Riffan?

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