22 Jun Same-Sex Behavior Widespread and Natural in Animal Kingdom

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Karyn Anderson (she/her)
PhD Candidate, Evolutionary Anthropology
Lab of Dr. Julie Teichroeb
University of Toronto, Scarborough

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: We sought out to determine if there were observations of same-sex sexual behavior in mammals that exist beyond the published record.

We found that more people observe same-sex sexual behavior than they publish on it, and this appears to be due to a perception of researchers that same-sex sexual behavior is very rare. We found, however, that it was commonly observed by our survey participants.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there a concern by researchers of determining same sex behavior may be partially genetically influenced?

Response:  Our study did not assess heritability or genetics, but many other studies have, and the main take away tends to be similar – that same-sex sexual behavior is widespread and natural in the animal kingdom.  

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response:  The biggest take away from this research is that same-sex sexual behavior is widely observed within mammals, but not widely reported. We believe this could also be true for other behaviors which are perceived to be rare but are found to be more common when looked at on a broader scale.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: My biggest recommendation would be to conduct expert surveys in the process of systematic reviews, especially for behaviors which are perceived to be rare.

I also think our study could be replicated on a larger scale, and it would be interesting to see how the results compare.

Citation:

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Last Updated on June 22, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD