Are most animals gay? Sexual fluidity in nature
Scientists confirm that around 1,500 animal species show interest in the same sex. What is the reason?
Humans are not the only creatures that can be attracted to the same sex. Spanish scientists have also observed homosexuality among animals. A recent study shows that around 1,500 animal species exhibit sexual fluidity. The highest number of homosexuals appeared among mammals amounting to as many as 80% of the mammal population. Experts reveal that the longer one observes the animals, the more sexually fluid they prove themselves to be, HuffPost reports.
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Why are some animals homosexual?
The topic is quite interesting because animals mate mainly to prolong the species. They have a strong instinct that even dictates that they should enter into a relationship with the opposite sex. Homosexual activity among animals is therefore considered an "evolutionary conundrum" or a "Darwinian paradox".
Same-sex sexual behaviour as it is used here does not denote sexual orientation (ie an overall pattern of sexual attraction/arousal over time), sexual orientation identity (the sexual orientation that individuals perceive themselves to have), categories of sexual beings (homosexuals, heterosexuals, etc), nor sexual preference
According to the researchers, animalsā homosexual activity may have an adaptive role in "maintaining social relationships and mitigating conflict". Homosexuality among animals is also linked to violence. Wild individuals are more likely to enter into a same-sex relationship when their lives are threatened or they feel anxious.
The scientists emphasise that the field is under-researched at the moment and no conclusive assumptions can be made, as the topic of homosexuality among animals is fairly new.
Source: HuffPost
