Straight Science? Homosexuality, Evolution and AdaptationA genetic basis for homosexuality has been all but proved, yet Darwinism, the most widely accepted evolutionary theory, emphasises successful reproduction. How do we explain a lifetime preference for non-reproductive sex? Whilst social constructionism offers explanations in terms of social learning and cultural preferences, the body of evidence for a genetic predisposition to homosexuality grows. Social learning argues that homosexual sex is merely misdirected and therefore futile, but far from dying out it continues through the ages and is found in different cultures. What if there was an evolutionary advantage to homosexuality? Straight Science? Homosexuality, Evolution and Adaptation dares to ask such questions. |
Contents
A biology of homosexuality | 18 |
Homosexuality as physical evolution | 70 |
Homosexuality as an evolutionary byproduct | 115 |
X | 117 |
Homosexuality as social evolution | 124 |
8 | 127 |
Kin selection for genes other than homosexuality | 135 |
Parental manipulation | 144 |
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accounts adaptive advantage allele animal argue argument assume Baker balance basis become behaviour benefit biological bisexual brain carry causes Chapter characteristics choice choose common competition consequence critics cultures demonstrate differential difficulties direct discussion early effect environment evidence evolution evolutionary example explanation expression families favour female findings fitness genetic given greater Hamer helping heterosexual homo homosexuality gene hormones human important increase individual interest kin selection lead least lesbians less limited male male homosexuality maternal mates matter mechanisms mothers mutation natural natural selection noted observed offspring one's parents percent Perhaps polymorphism population positive possible potential preference probably problem provides psychology question rates reason reduced relatives reproductive result sample scenario seems sexual orientation share similar social species straight strategy studies success suggests superior theory trait twins ultimate unlikely variability women