Do chimps or other higher primates (other than humans) practise incest as a matter of course.?

Answer 1

Animal do have incest but you try to keep them from it because it weakens the family if they inbreed much. It isn't really incest in the definition that we humans use but it has the same affects.

Answer 2

Interesting question; That's what separates us from our primate cousins, I suppose; the ability to see the "wrong" in committing incest and ultimately, what inbreeding creates or results in; however, in the wild animal kingdom, I don't view it as "bad" because of how the structure of the "unit" exists; outsiders are considered an infringement on their community; they exist in the wild for different reasons: food, territory; What is the law as far as far as humans are concerned? Isn't it legal to marry ones 2nd or 3rd cousin....hmmmm.

Answer 3

It would be more acceptable if it weren't for the judeo-xtian religion and its sexual repression.

True, it can lead to deformities known as "inbreeding", but if birth control is used it's not a problem. In ancient Pagan times it wasn't uncommon for the father to take his daughter's virginity. King Tut was married to his own half sister, as were many ancient Pagan kings. Even today in Islamic countries it's desirable to marry one's first cousin, which would be considered incest in all Western countries.

We of the Wiccan faith have no problem with two adults who mutually wish to enagage in incest. Someone showed me this information from the Roamin' Church ( a Neopagan group) website:

"Incest between consenting adults would generally present no difficulties. There is, in fact, strong reason to believe that adolescents were commonly 'initiated' into the 'mysteries of sex' by their parents. In defense of this practice, one might ask, who more than a loving mother or father could show gentleness and sensitivity during one's introduction to physical love? We are not talking about rape as is currently thought of in connection to incest, but a family based system of education into the sexual arts. The damage which incest causes is not normally physical, but emotional, the shattering of trust and control of one's own body. This system would not cause such pain."

So there you have it! Blessed Be!

Answer 4

They have many incest-avoidance mechanisms, especially insofar as preventing pregnancy is concerned.

Answer 5

Apes and people from West Virginia all practice it. It's something genetic

Answer 6

bonobos chimps use sexual relations as a means of diffusing tension, and creating social harmony... they participate in activities we would consider incestuous

Answer 7

Yes. Its genetics,

Answer 8

Wow. I thought I had enough reasons not to like all this pagan/wiccan stuff. Thanks for the ammo.