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Homosexuality
129 Answers
1) Is it nature's way of telling us to keep our population under control?
2) Nature or nurture ?
Discuss.
(Now I'll duck and run for cover!)
2) Nature or nurture ?
Discuss.
(Now I'll duck and run for cover!)
Answers
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Homosexual behaviour has been observed in countless species - well documented examples. So whatever your personal opinion about such behaviour, it is not unnatural.
And regarding the evolutionary advantage - you are thinking far too literally, Sqad. Several theories explain the genetics of homosexuality, and can be linked to an evolutionary advantage. And try to remember that evolution is blind, and its effects need to measured across a species, rather than an individual of that species.
Among the more common hypotheses - one that posits homosexuality as a kind of unintended consequence of an X-linked allele that codes for female fecundity.
Another hypothesis, based upon the observation that there is a higher level of homosexuality in families with a large numbers of male children, particularly the youngest, have suggested that this can be linked to maternal anti-male antibodies which prevent the full masculinisation of the foetal brain (fraternal birth order defect).
Human sexuality is complex, with the fundamental orientation established by genetics largely at foetal stage; There is a degree of plasticity which can allow for a range of sexual behaviours to imprint upon that basic orientation.
Homosexual behaviour has been observed in countless species - well documented examples. So whatever your personal opinion about such behaviour, it is not unnatural.
And regarding the evolutionary advantage - you are thinking far too literally, Sqad. Several theories explain the genetics of homosexuality, and can be linked to an evolutionary advantage. And try to remember that evolution is blind, and its effects need to measured across a species, rather than an individual of that species.
Among the more common hypotheses - one that posits homosexuality as a kind of unintended consequence of an X-linked allele that codes for female fecundity.
Another hypothesis, based upon the observation that there is a higher level of homosexuality in families with a large numbers of male children, particularly the youngest, have suggested that this can be linked to maternal anti-male antibodies which prevent the full masculinisation of the foetal brain (fraternal birth order defect).
Human sexuality is complex, with the fundamental orientation established by genetics largely at foetal stage; There is a degree of plasticity which can allow for a range of sexual behaviours to imprint upon that basic orientation.
@Sqad - Same here :)
Sorry I wasn't able to write more clearly in previous post.Must do better.
Genetics is key to sexuality in all species. There have been theories demonstrating a possible evolutionary benefit to the species of homosexuality. Some studies suggest that homosexuality is a kind of unintended consequence of a dominant x-linked gene that codes for increased female fecundity.
Once you get beyond that basic orientation, human sexuality, like other primates, is plastic and exhibit a broad spectrum of behaviours.
Sorry I wasn't able to write more clearly in previous post.Must do better.
Genetics is key to sexuality in all species. There have been theories demonstrating a possible evolutionary benefit to the species of homosexuality. Some studies suggest that homosexuality is a kind of unintended consequence of a dominant x-linked gene that codes for increased female fecundity.
Once you get beyond that basic orientation, human sexuality, like other primates, is plastic and exhibit a broad spectrum of behaviours.
I`ve had many a conversation with my gay colleagues in the middle of the night at work. I`ve only ever met one who thought his being gay was nurture. Well, he thought he wouldn`t have turned to men if he had married a girl he had been close to since he was a kid. I know quite a few who had been married with kids in a previous life but they all say they knew they really fancied men from a young age. The thought of women`s "bits" repulses them. They like boobs though for some reason. Definitely nature.
Lazygun.....let's forget the genetic theory of homosexuality for the moment and ask ourselves "taking homo sapiens some million years ago, a homo sexual predominance would undoubtedly have wiped out the species.........but it hasn't.
Homosexuality bestows no advantages on the human race out the outset.........so the upsurge that we are seeing now, must be man made......nuture.
Homosexuality bestows no advantages on the human race out the outset.........so the upsurge that we are seeing now, must be man made......nuture.