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Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice
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The Evolution of Same-sex Sexual Behavior: Using Old Theory to Answer New Questions.

Brian A Lerch1

  • 1Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616USA.

Integrative and Comparative Biology
|March 25, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) in animals is increasingly studied, revealing links to classic mate choice theories. Integrating these theories offers new insights into the evolution and adaptive benefits of SSB.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Behavioral Ecology
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • Mating preferences and sexual selection are core topics in evolutionary biology.
  • The evolution of opposite-sex mating preference has been historically understudied.
  • Recent decades show a surge in research on same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) in non-human animals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate the strong connections between SSB literature and classic mate choice theory.
  • To argue for the integration of established mate choice theories to understand SSB evolution.
  • To review current knowledge on SSB expression, evolution, and adaptive significance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on SSB in non-human animals.
  • Analysis of connections between SSB research and classic mate choice theories.
  • Examination of factors influencing SSB expression, including imperfect sex discrimination and social conditions.

Main Results:

  • SSB literature shares significant commonalities with established mate choice theories.
  • Selection can favor imperfect sex discrimination, leading to SSB.
  • Social factors like density and sex ratio plasticity influence SSB expression.
  • Evidence suggests adaptive benefits for engaging in SSB.

Conclusions:

  • Integrating classic mate choice theory with SSB research deepens our understanding of SSB evolution.
  • Imperfect sex discrimination and adaptive benefits are key factors in SSB evolution.
  • SSB is a valuable model for studying fundamental questions in sexual selection and mating preferences.