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Homosexuality linked to hormone present in humans


Jonna Lee

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Jonna Lee

Very interesting evolutionary theory, a fascinating test and discovery as well.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/26/homos-xuality-evolution-social-bonding_n_6218406.html

Scientists have long been puzzled by homos-xuality, as it seems to be at odds with the basic human drive to reproduce.

Various theories have been offered--from the notion that homos-xual men make more diligent uncles than their heteros-xual counterparts (and thus are better at ensuring the survival of their relatives) to the notion that the same gene that codes for homos-xuality in men makes women more fertile.

Now researchers from the University of Portsmouth in England have put forth a controversial new theory. They say homos-xuality evolved in humans and other primates because it helps us form bonds with one another.

“From an evolutionary perspective, we tend to think of s-xual behavior as a means to an end for reproduction," Dr. Diana Fleischman, an evolutionary psychologist at the university and one of the researchers, said in a written statement. "However, because s-xual behavior is intimate and pleasurable, it is also used in many species, including non-human primates, to help form and maintain social bonds. We can all see this in romantic couples who bond by engaging in s-xual behavior even when reproduction is not possible."

For the study, 92 women were asked to indicate the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with various hypothetical statements about homos-xual behavior, such as: "The idea of kissing a person of the same s-x is s-xually arousing to me" and "If someone of the same s-x made a pass at me I would be disgusted."

Then the researchers measured levels of the hormone progesterone in the women's saliva. Progesterone is linked to social bonding.

What did the researchers find? Women with high progesterone levels were more open to engaging in homos-xual activity. The researchers theorize that progesterone may make people want to bond with others--and since s-xual activity is one form of bonding, homos-xual as well as heteros-xual behavior is encouraged.

In another experiment, 59 men did word completion puzzles, filling in the blanks of words from one of the following three categories: friendship (for instance, "fr...ds" becomes "friends"), s-x ("br...ts" becomes "breasts"), or neutral ("sq.ar." becomes "square").

The researchers found that the men who completed the friendship puzzles were 26 percent more likely to be open to the idea of having s-x with other men compared to the men in the other two groups. In other words, when men were led to think about forming bonds with others, they were more open to homos-xual as well as heteros-xual behavior, Fleischman told The Huffington Post in an email.

"It’s very complex, but it’s clear there’s a continuum between affection and s-xuality, and... the ability to engage s-xually with those of the same s-x or the opposite s-x is common," Fleischman said in the statement. "In humans, much, if not most of same-s-x s-xual behavior occurs in those who don’t identify as homos-xual.â€

An intriguing theory, for sure. But not everyone is buying the new research.

“It is a plausible theory that there is a societal benefit from homos-xual behavior, but the link to progesterone is probably spurious," Dr. Gerard Conway, professor of reproductive endocrinology at University College, London, who was not involved in the study, told The Telegraph. "It’s a long way from proving cause and effect.â€

The study was published Nov. 25 in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour

i like it when u treat me mean it turns my mood from black to blue
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So is bis-xuality when you have even more progesterone than gays? :confused:

I think in this study the high levels of progesterone were linked to the individual being open to the idea of same s-x relations. That would include both gay and bi individuals.

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Homo- and Bis-xuality is found in over 3,500 species, so that doesn't surprise me. :yes:

Can you give me examples of some animal species and how they express their homos-xuality in the wild?

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JaggedMonster

Can you give me examples of some animal species and how they express their homos-xuality in the wild?

 

Can you give me examples of some animal species and how they express their homos-xuality in the wild?

Lions, thee famous gay pigeons in NYC

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Jonna Lee

Can you give me examples of some animal species and how they express their homos-xuality in the wild?

male giraffes **** eachother more than they **** females :laughmas:

i like it when u treat me mean it turns my mood from black to blue
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Lions, thee famous gay pigeons in NYC

You didn't explain me how they express it, so your answer is not complete..

 

Thanks.

 

I was actually reading an article which denied homos-xuality among wild animals so I just wanted to try and get some examples of homos-xual behaviour in the wildlife. 

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Economy

Hormones are not always the cause, they can also be the cause OF effect

For instance Hormones can make u horney... But u being exposed to certain environments (such as the beach with many hot bodies) can also cause the hormone production to begin with. Could it be the the production of protosteron be created from having certain feelig but not cause it always?

Also there is the theory that environment in some cases MAY have a partial influence in whether someone turns out gay or not. And even if thats not the case, gay ppl often have to deal with more **** so they may value friendship more for that reason and that ****s up the results

Not a bad theory. But hard to prove with so many factors to consider :shrug:

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damn this science stguff is confusing isnt it?

I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.
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Rollercoaster

Duh. We're mostly superior to our heteros-xual counterparts in terms of human development.

For instance, the gay sibling is usually smarter, more logical & less of an emotional wreck/meathead.

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