Why same-sex behaviour is a common, evolutionary feature of primate social life
In short: Same-sex sexual behaviour is widespread among non-human primates, from lemurs to apes. Far from being an anomaly, this behaviour is a flexible social tool that helps animals navigate complex environments, form alliances, and maintain group cohesion.
A comprehensive study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution analyzed 491 non-human primate species, documenting same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) in 59 of them. Led by Chloe Coxshall of Imperial College London, the research indicates that while genetic predispositions may exist, SSB is strongly shaped by ecological and social pressures. Species living in drier climates with scarce resources or high predator pressure are more likely to exhibit these behaviours.
The study also found that complex social structures, longer lifespans, and physical differences between sexes correlate with higher rates of SSB. Rather than dismissing these interactions as mere play or dominance displays—a tendency often rooted in human bias—scientists now view them as integral to primate social harmony. This suggests that SSB has deep evolutionary roots and multiple independent origins across the primate order.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Homosexual behaviour in primates | LGBTQ+ natural history tour | Stop 7
- Also: New research explores ecological and social roots of same-sex sexual behaviour in primates
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