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Genetic variants underlying human bisexual behavior are reproductively advantageous
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Science Advances
|January 3, 2024
Summary
Genetic factors for male bisexual behavior (BSB) may be reproductively advantageous, explaining their persistence. Exclusive same-sex behavior (eSSB) alleles appear to be selected against in human populations.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Evolutionary psychology
- Human sexuality
Background:
- Human same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) is heritable but associated with reduced offspring, posing an evolutionary paradox.
- Understanding the genetic underpinnings of different sexual orientations is crucial for evolutionary biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic correlations between bisexual behavior (BSB) and exclusive same-sex sexual behavior (eSSB) with reproductive success.
- To explore the evolutionary maintenance mechanisms of alleles associated with SSB.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank data to analyze genetic correlations for BSB and eSSB separately.
- Employed genetic correlation analyses and examined the role of horizontal pleiotropy, specifically linking risk-taking behavior.
Main Results:
- Male BSB showed a positive genetic correlation with the number of offspring, mediated by risk-taking behavior alleles.
- Exclusive same-sex sexual behavior (eSSB) in males exhibited a negative genetic correlation with offspring count.
- Genetic control of risk-taking behavior eliminated the positive genetic correlation between male BSB and offspring number.
Conclusions:
- Alleles associated with male BSB may be reproductively advantageous, potentially explaining their persistence and future maintenance.
- Alleles linked to eSSB appear to be under negative selection in contemporary human populations.
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