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Sex.  Kinky sex.  And lots of it.  Sometimes for days, sometimes for weeks.  Heterosexuals, homosexuals, asexuals, transgendered, transvestites, and transsexuals.  Incest, necrophilia, and hermaphrodite orgies.  It seems, the only sexual deviants in the animal world are monogamists.  Who knew?  (Certainly not Cole Porter.)

Not too long ago, it was believed that, like humans, animals stuck to the old maxims of the birds and the bees, male and female. Boy, was that wrong!  Homosexuality is rampant among animals such as male giraffes and lions.  Female apes use tools to masturbate.  Even sea snails join in the bestial fun with train-like orgies that can last for days. But, rest assure, “no matter how bizarre the behavior, there’s probably a reason to it”¹.  This begs the question, what is the purpose of sex if not for procreation?  I plan to answer this and more in a series entitled: The Animal Kinkdom.

The Animal Kinkdom: Homosexuality

There are over 1500 species that engage in homosexual activity ³.  It doesn’t matter where in the world, or what animal group, chances are it’s happening.  More interestingly, it is met with little hostility and is in fact a common behavior among animals of status.  If that doesn’t surprise you, let’s take a look at some specific examples of male homosexuality before penetrating a possible reason.

Male Giraffes are often caught canoodling across Africa in an overt sexual act dubbed “neck rubbing”¹.

In the absence of females, the kings of the animal world affectionately kiss, hug, and caress their brothers. Sex is less frequent, but happens (perhaps after a lazy afternoon of eating fermented marula fruit)! Even Cheetahs form their own “members only” brotherhoods complete with benefits.

Does this seem somewhat standard so far?  You must be wondering how exactly this is considered “kinky.” Well, it’s not. Not until now. Monkeys and apes take the kinky cake in this article. Hold on to your loins, this ride is about to get freaky.

Let’s begin with the ever inventive male Orangutang.  These resourceful little fellows have a wincing trick up their sleeve – they can retract their penis, turning it into a penetrable cavity¹.  Yes, that’s what I said, a retractable penis.  With opposable thumbs and fingers, playtime becomes sexy-time in no-time.

Anal sex, anyone?  Though it is a less frequent behavior, there are a couple species who’ve “mastered the fine art of the back door”¹.  Normal social behavior such as grooming between Macaques quickly turns sexual often followed by anal penetration.  The aptly named Big Horned Sheep also participates in backdoor dalliances, on rocky terrain no less!

“What about the birds?” asks a shocked Cole Porter. “There are male ostriches that only court their own gender, and pairs of male flamingos that mate, build nests, and even raise foster chicks.” ³

Last, but certainly not least, is a dear friend of ours: Bed Bugs.

Male bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are sexually attracted to any newly fed individual and this results in homosexual mounting. This occurs in heterosexual mounting by the traumatic insemination in which the male pierces the female abdomen with his needle- like penis. In homosexual mating this risks abdominal injuries as males lack the female counteradaptive spermalege structure. Males produce alarm pheromones to reduce such homosexual matings. ³

Yikes.

Now let’s visit the question of “why?”  What is the purpose of homosexual behavior if it doesn’t lead to procreation?  So far, there is no definitive explanation.  At first thought, it seems to oppose the evolutionary imperative of continuing one’s genetic legacy.  However, with deeper thought, that may not be the case. Speculation suggests it’s preparation and practice for the actual act of mating, which makes sense as females choose the best male with which to mate – a male skilled in impregnation will have higher odds of furthering their lineage.  Further, as the act of sex leaves most animals vulnerable to attack, the more efficient the better.  Other, more wild speculation, is that it helps regulate the population by providing a sexual release, or act as an outlet for those without partners. I guess this means the old adage is true: practice does make perfect!

In any case, homosexuality is rampant in the animal world; however, this isn’t the only sexual behavior that’s not reproductive. Next up on Animal Kinkdom: Masturbation.

Interested in seeing the full list of animals? Look here.

Sources:

1. Wild Sex. (Documentary) National Geographic. 2005.

2. List of animals displaying homosexual behavior. (2011, February 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:21, March 6, 2011, fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_animals_displaying_homosexual_behavior&oldid=415920139

3. Homosexual Activity Among Animals Stirs Debate. Owen, James. National Geographic News. (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0722_040722_gayanimal.html)