1
|
Gottstein M, Morelos-Juárez C, Schaffner CM, Aureli F. Same-sex sexual behavior in brown-headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) during grappling between two subadult males. Primates 2024; 65:379-382. [PMID: 39110296 PMCID: PMC11335772 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-024-01147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Sexual behavior in animals fulfills reproductive and social functions, extending beyond the traditional focus on reproduction. Same-sex sexual behavior, defined as genital contact or manipulation between individuals of the same sex, occurs in various primate species. In spider monkeys, grappling, a behavior involving prolonged mutual embraces, face greeting, tail intertwining, and genital manipulation, occurs primarily between males. Here, we report a novel incidence of same-sex sexual behavior and grappling between two subadult male brown-headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps). Our observation contributes to the understanding of the social functions of sexual behavior and to the broader appreciation of primate sexuality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malika Gottstein
- Eva Mayr-Stihl Professorship for Forest Genetics, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
| | | | - Colleen M Schaffner
- Psychology Department, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Adams State University, Alamosa, CO, USA
| | - Filippo Aureli
- Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Anderson KA, Teichroeb JA, Ramsay MS, Bădescu I, López-Torres S, Gibb JK. Same-sex sexual behaviour among mammals is widely observed, yet seldomly reported: Evidence from an online expert survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304885. [PMID: 38900815 PMCID: PMC11189198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Same-sex sexual behaviour (SSSB) occurs in most animal clades, but published reports are largely concentrated in a few taxa. Thus, there remains a paucity of published reports for most mammalian species. We conducted a cross-sectional expert survey to better understand the underlying reasons for the lack of publications on this topic. Most respondents researched Primates (83.6%, N = 61), while the rest studied Carnivora (6.9%, N = 5), Rodentia (4.1%, N = 3), Artiodactyla (2.7%, N = 2), and Proboscidea (2.7%, N = 2). Most respondents (76.7%, N = 56) had observed SSSB in their study species, but only 48.2% (N = 27) collected data on SSSB, and few (18.5%, N = 5) had published papers on SSSB. Of the unique species identified as engaging in SSSB in the survey, 38.6% (N = 17) have no existing reports of SSSB to the knowledge of the authors. In both the survey questions and freeform responses, most respondents indicated that their lack of data collection or publication on SSSB was because the behaviours were rare, or because it was not a research priority of their lab. No respondents reported discomfort or sociopolitical concerns at their university or field site as a reason for why they did not collect data or publish on SSSB. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to assess whether taxa studied, education level, or identification within the LGBTQ+ community predicted observing, collecting data on, or publishing on SSSB, but none of these variables were significant predictors. These results provide preliminary evidence that SSSB occurs more frequently than what is available in the published record and suggest that this may be due to a publishing bias against anecdotal evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karyn A. Anderson
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie A. Teichroeb
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Malcolm S. Ramsay
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Iulia Bădescu
- Département D’anthropologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sergi López-Torres
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - James K. Gibb
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Delval I, Fernández-Bolaños M, Visalberghi E, Izar P, Valentova JV. Homosexual Courtship in Young Wild Capuchin Monkeys: A Case Study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2303-2315. [PMID: 37286765 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02632-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In primates, many species exhibit same-sex sexual behaviors (SSB), defined as "genital contact or genital manipulation between same-sex individuals." Several sociosexual functions have been proposed, including proceptivity enhancement, receptivity reduction, dominance assertion, practice for heterosexual copulation, tension regulation, reconciliation, and alliance formation. Capuchin monkeys are known for their rich and flexible sexual behavioral repertoire and elaborated courtships. At present, the few reports of SSB in capuchin monkeys (genera Sapajus and Cebus) focused on mounting. Here, we describe the case observed in a population of wild yellow-breasted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus xanthosternos) in which two young males, aged 5-6 years and 19 months, performed a 15-min uninterrupted sequence of courtship behaviors and mounting. Comparing with a previously established ethogram of 20 behaviors typical for heterosexual behavior of tufted capuchins, we show that these males performed 16 of them. Thus, SSBs are already present in the repertoire of young individuals and the practice may serve to create or strengthen bonds. Although same-sex mounting and genital inspection are common in capuchins' play and other social interactions, the almost entire array of courtship behaviors has never been observed in youngsters. Additionally, this example supports the notion that primate (homo)sexual behavior is not limited to genitalia and copulation, since the observed courtship included diverse behaviors different from genital contact. Thus, we propose a broader definition of sexual behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Delval
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Fernández-Bolaños
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil
| | - Elisabetta Visalberghi
- Unit of Cognitive Primatology and Primate Center, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrícia Izar
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil
| | - Jaroslava Varella Valentova
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aureli F, Schaffner CM, Schino G. Variation in communicative complexity in relation to social structure and organization in non-human primates. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210306. [PMID: 35934958 PMCID: PMC9358317 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Communicative complexity relates to social complexity, as individuals in more complex social systems either use more signals or more complex signals than individuals living in less complex ones. Taking the individual group member's perspective, here we examine communicative complexity in relation to social complexity, which arises from two components of social systems: social structure and social organization. We review the concepts of social relationships and social complexity and evaluate their implications for communicative and cognitive complexity using examples from primate species. We focus on spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), as their social organization is characterized by flexibility in grouping dynamics and they use a variety of communicative signals. We conclude that no simple relationship exists among social complexity, communicative complexity and cognitive complexity, with social complexity not necessarily implying cognitive complexity, and communicative and cognitive complexity being independently linked to social complexity. To better understand the commonly implied link between social complexity and cognitive complexity it is crucial to recognize the complementary role of communicative complexity. A more elaborated communicative toolkit provides the needed flexibility to deal with dynamic and multifaceted social relationships and high variation in fission-fusion dynamics. This article is part of the theme issue 'Cognition, communication and social bonds in primates'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Aureli
- Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Dr. Luis Castelazo Ayala, Xalapa, Veracruz 91190, Mexico
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | | | - Gabriele Schino
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie della Cognizione, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00197 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schmitt CA, Garrett EC. De-Scent with Modification: More Evidence and Caution Needed to Assess Whether the Loss of a Pheromone Signaling Protein Permitted the Evolution of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior in Primates. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2301-2307. [PMID: 31741251 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01583-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Schmitt
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, 232 Bay State Road, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eva C Garrett
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, 232 Bay State Road, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Clive J, Wisden W, Savolainen V. The De-Scent of Sexuality: Should We Smell a Rat? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2283-2288. [PMID: 31808032 PMCID: PMC8416816 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01591-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Clive
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - William Wisden
- Department of Life Sciences, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vincent Savolainen
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pfau D, Jordan CL, Breedlove SM. The De-Scent of Sexuality: Did Loss of a Pheromone Signaling Protein Permit the Evolution of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior in Primates? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2267-2276. [PMID: 31016493 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1377-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Primate same-sex sexual behavior (SSSB) is rarely observed in strepsirrhine species, and only somewhat more common in platyrrhines, but is observed in nearly all catarrhine species, including humans, suggesting the common catarrhine ancestor as the origin of routine SSSB. In mice, disruption of the transient receptor potential cation channel 2 (TRPC2) gene, which is crucial for transducing chemosensory signals from pheromones in the vomeronasal organ, greatly increased the likelihood of SSSB. We note that catarrhine primates share a common deleterious mutation in this gene, indicating that the protein was dysfunctional in the common catarrhine ancestral primate approximately 25 mya (million years ago). We hypothesize that the loss of this protein for processing pheromonal signals in males and females made SSSB more likely in a primate ancestral species by effectively lifting a pheromonally mediated barrier to SSSB and that this was an important precursor to the evolution of such behavior in humans. Additional comparisons between SSSB and the functional status of the TRPC2 gene or related proteins across primate species could lend support to or falsify this hypothesis. Our current research indicates that loss of TRPC2 function in developing mice leads to the loss or attenuation of sexually dimorphisms in the adult brain, which may help us to understand the biological underpinnings of SSSB. Our hypothesis offers an ultimate evolutionary explanation for SSSB in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pfau
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, Giltner Hall, 293 Farm Lane, Room 108, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1101, USA.
| | - Cynthia L Jordan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, Giltner Hall, 293 Farm Lane, Room 108, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1101, USA
| | - S Marc Breedlove
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, Giltner Hall, 293 Farm Lane, Room 108, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1101, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sandel AA, Reddy RB. Sociosexual behaviour in wild chimpanzees occurs in variable contexts and is frequent between same-sex partners. BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Many animals engage in sociosexual behaviour, including that between same-sex pairs. Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are famous for their sociosexual behaviour, but chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) apparently do not engage in sociosexual behaviour frequently. However, sociosexual behaviour in chimpanzees may have been overlooked. We observed 584 instances of sociosexual behaviour in chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda during three years of study. All ages and sexes engaged in sociosexual behaviour, which included mounting, touching of genitals, and pressing genitals together. Most sociosexual behaviour was between adult males. Sociosexual behaviour was often during tense contexts, such as subgroup reunions and during territorial behaviour. Among males, grooming and dominance rank relationships do not explain patterns of sociosexual behaviour. Although sociosexual behaviour may be less frequent in chimpanzees than in bonobos, and bonobos remain distinct in their genito-genital rubbing, our findings suggest that sociosexual behaviour is a regular part of chimpanzee behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A. Sandel
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, 2201 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Rachna B. Reddy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jackson CJ, Minbashian A, Criado-Perez C. A multi-level super meta-theory of personality meta-theories: Why behavior is not always associated with reproductive success. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
10
|
Using multiplex networks to capture the multidimensional nature of social structure. Primates 2018; 60:277-295. [DOI: 10.1007/s10329-018-0686-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|