Some evolution/homosexuality confusion.?

Question

People nowadays seem to be attributing homosexuals to have a gene in them that makes them prefer the same gender. The same people are strong believers in evolution, which strikes me an oddity. My question is, wouldn't the result of evolution be completely heterosexual genes to allow fruitful reproduction? Are homosexual genes and evolution compatible? Is one right, the other wrong? Will evolution outgrow homosexuality and eventually leave everyone to be heterosexual?

Not trying to stir any controversy - just an honest question wanting a legitimate answer.

Answer 1

wow. homosexuality as Nature's way of population control? i think not. there are faster, more efficient ways of curbing the human population. and besides, homosexuality does not necessarily mean that people won't reproduce--it just means people would have a preference towards one sex than the other; whether a person decides to act on that preference is up to their discretion.

also, as far as i know this was only characterized for a fruit fly...you can't extrapolate fly findings to humans.


and finally, why do we care? homosexuality isn't a "disease" to be "cured" with potential genetic therapy. (not trying to say that in a mean, aggressive, defensive tone...just a side thought to the implication)

but anyway to address your questions: if homosexuality is a gene that's inherited--how exactly do you propose it will be inherited given the "parents" are homosexual? sure you can say they can adopt or get/donate sperm but that has the implication that the "homosexual gene" will still be swimming around in the genetic pool...and so evolution will never really get rid of this so-called gene.

Answer 2

A couple of things to address.

First, there is no evidence of a gay gene. Example: The offspring of gay parents do not have a higher rate of being homosexual. If there was a gay gene, then the offspring of homosexual parents s hould have a higher likelihood of being gay themselves. That said, the idea that one is born homosexual does not mean there is a gay gene. There are a multitude of things that affect the embryo/fetus during development. Most of the research into homosexuality is pointing to a gestational situation, not a gene.

I'll use myself as an example, because it might be easier to grasp. I was born hearing-impaired, but it is not genetic. It is also not due to a disease or illness my mother had while pregnant (such as measles which has been connected to deafness and blindness of offspring if contracted while the woman is pregnant). So something just happened that caused some nerves to not develop properly.

Now, as far as evolution, since homosexuality is not genetic, as far as we can tell, it does not affect evolution or reproduction quite as you think. Look at the history, heck even now, homosexual people often get married and live heterosexual lives, sometimes in denial of their true orientation, and have children. In the past, they were likely to just go to their grave never admitting to anyone how they felt, but today, they may later say "honey, I'm gay. I need a divorce."

Futhermore, homosexuality is not really new. All over the biological world there are species with some level of homosexuality. I doubt that is going to change.

EDIT to those above me: There is no evidence that there is a homosexuality gene, nor is there evidence that it reduces reproduction and population.

Answer 3

Well homosexual behavior is seen in numerous animals- chimps, dolphins, dogs, rats, etc... Genetics and exposing the brain to low or high levels of testerone during development can increase homosexual behavior in males or females, respectively. However, as mentioned above a gay uncle may still provide benefits to the social group described as kin selection, he could still get his genes into the next generation. Also because someone is mostly gay does not necessarily stop that organism from reproducing from an occasional heterosexual interaction. It is not an all or nothing. You can liken the reduced reproduction of homosexual behavior to other non-mating groups of animals. For example if you study wolves only the apha wolves are reproducing the rest are not, however the non-mating wolves are still genetically benefiting as they are siblings... Lastly it is possible the homosexual behavior is a method to reduce over population as described above. In one experiment large population of rats in a small environment began to show more homosexual behavior along with infanticide. Perhaps to reduce the population. Lastly evolution is not a believe system, however it can be a tool to understand complex questions like why homosexuality exist. Something interesting to google or go to pubmed and look at the real academic researchers thoughts on it...

Answer 4

If it's a gene, then some heterosexuals would carry it too, except that in their case the gene didn't express itself. That's how the gene could get passed on even if few homosexuals had offspring.

There's also the "2 nephews is worth 1 son" idea, meaning that you can help to raise members of your extended family even if they aren't your own offspring (and thus contribute to their survival). Since they're related to you and carry at least *some* of your genes, that's another way the gay gene could get passed on.

Really it's a lot more complicated than that. You can't just divide the whole of human population into gay and straight, there is probably a LOT of overlap...

Answer 5

wow, this is a really good question! - I'll definitely check back for the best answer

but anyway, i personally think that homosexuality is not linked to a gene. Even if it were, i don't think the natural selection bit applies. Cause if we compare it to say the intelligence of individuals - will the evolution outgrow the..not so smart people...and eventually leave everyone to be smart?

Answer 6

For very social species, genetic benefits can be had even for those that do not directly reproduce. If, for example, homosexuality makes social bonds a bit tighter and therefore increases the likelihood that siblings will survive, it can be selected for. In fact, homosexuality occurs in most social species at least to some extent.

Answer 7

I believe in evolution. I think that maybe homosexual men are attracted to the "leader" which is traditionally an alpha male and the ones who could please the leader in society prospered and survived, whereas the ones who wanted to fight the king, (or the leader) did not survive as well in society. Many homosexuals men have sex with both men and women. It seems that homosexual men have a tendency to be more civilized, not necessarily a bad thing.

Answer 8

I also agree with the lady. Global warming is causing weird unexplained things. A very good question that you have asked. And sure I won't be here with the final outcome is finally discoved. I have always thought it was in the genes but now I just wonder.? Something out there is causing this . Just making me think now.

Answer 9

consider the case of sickle cell anemia. Do you recall dominant and represive genes? it turns out that having two same genes (homozygous) causes sickle cell anemia. but having one gene (heterozygous) helps fight of malaria. This is the outcome 50% of the time.
so what i'm suggesting is that having some of the gene(s) that might cause homosexuality has some advantage we haven't identified yet.
strictly hypothetical of course. but genetics is a very complicated subject

Answer 10

confusions are self manifested,self made,make valuable we've suitable ,Errorless e book Al-Quran,it is going to sparkling all your confusions,and be steadfast on your perception,Quran is loose from any blunders, loose from Contradictions it is suitable particular,finished. concern Allah Allmighty,the different guy made e book isn't Scripture wonderful Quran is, It has Mercy and guidance Ahsanul Hadith 39:23,it has know-how. Allah is Your instructor fifty 5:a million-5,Your instruction manual ,have faith Him Allmighty