Same-sex sexual behavior observed in dozens of primate species, suggesting evolutionary origin

[Coventina]

Humans are far from the only primates engaging in same-sex sexual activity.

A new study found instances in which 59 nonhuman primate species, including bonobos, chimpanzees and macaques, have taken part in same-sex behaviors.

Researchers observed repeated occurrences of the behavior in 23 species. The study, published Monday in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, is the most comprehensive review of same-sex behavior in primates to date (though humans are not included). The findings challenge some common assumptions about the purpose of sex in the animal world, suggesting it plays a broader social role.

The authors posit that same-sex behavior developed evolutionarily to help primates in complex social groups ease tension, reduce conflict and build bonds. A combination of genetics and external stress — from the environment or from social systems — appears to drive this behavior, they conclude.

“What we found shows that same-sex is not like something bizarre, aberrant or rare. It’s everywhere, it’s very useful, it’s very important,” said Vincent Savolainen, director of the Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet at Imperial College London and an author of the study.

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/primates-same-sex-sexual-behavior-evolution-rcna252693

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Glad these folks are researching from the UK. If it were taking place here, they'd lose their funding.