Animal kingdom surprise: Same-sex behavior is common

DW (English)

In water, in the air or on land—many animals display a range of same-sex behaviors. Scientists explain social bonds, pleasure, and survival advantages across 1,500+ species, from dolphins to birds.

Transcript

00:00Is there homosexuality in the animal kingdom?

00:04The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle mentioned same-sex behaviors in animals over 2,300 years

00:11ago.

00:13Today, scientists estimate that across the animal kingdom, over 1,500 species engage

00:20in some form of such behaviors.

00:23Theories about why they've developed generally list three reasons.

00:29First, social cohesion.

00:32In herd animals like sheep, same-sex interactions seem to help reduce tension and promote harmony

00:38within the group.

00:40Among monkeys and lions, the behaviors appear to strengthen coalitions and bonding.

00:47Sex for pleasure is also common in many species, like between bottlenose dolphins.

00:53They may even experience orgasms.

00:56Butterflies interact sexually with their own sex almost exclusively until reaching maturity.

01:02And in butterflies, same-sex behavior may serve as practice for future reproduction.

01:10Finally, there could be evolutionary advantages.

01:14animals.

01:15Some researchers think that flexible sexuality can indirectly support reproduction.

01:21Animals engaging in same-sex behaviors often receive more social support, boosting both

01:26their individual chances of survival and that of their species in general.

01:33In many types of birds, same-sex pairs will sometimes adopt abandoned eggs and raise chicks together.

01:41In some albatross species, up to 30% of all pairs are made up of two females.

01:48So although same-sex behavior in animals was long considered rare, it isn't really.

01:54It serves many functions and might, in many cases, play a role in species development.

02:03Apoority.

02:04Natural purposes of faith.

02:05Natural process

02:07Can you see harassment immediately?

02:08Natural mass interviews you come to me by the�� of events.

02:12You only study mean tellement.

02:12So let's think about 2 years a year ago.

02:13Now we're in 2013 overhauling an animal section.

02:15So go through the

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