Homosexual Behaviour in Animals

An Evolutionary Perspective

Volker Sommer editor Paul L Vasey editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:17th Feb '11

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Homosexual Behaviour in Animals cover

This book investigates same-sex sexual behaviour in animals, exploring its evolutionary implications and offering insights for researchers and students alike.

The book Homosexual Behaviour in Animals delves into the fascinating realm of same-sex interactions within the animal kingdom. Aimed primarily at graduate students and researchers across various fields such as evolutionary biology, biological anthropology, zoology, and animal behaviour, it presents a comprehensive examination of homosexual behaviour observed in a wide range of species. From mammals to birds, the book highlights behavioural observations both in natural habitats and controlled environments, revealing that same-sex sexual interactions are not only prevalent but occur with notable frequency in certain non-human species.

In addition to documenting these behaviours, Homosexual Behaviour in Animals emphasizes the importance of proximate studies that have uncovered significant genetic, hormonal, and neural correlates of homosexual behaviour. However, there has been a notable gap in research concerning the evolutionary aspects of these phenomena. This book aims to fill that gap by providing an evolutionary perspective on same-sex sexual behaviour, featuring contributions that focus on various animals known for engaging in such interactions, including dolphins, deer, bison, cats, and primates like macaques, gorillas, and bonobos.

The final chapter offers a unique look at human primates, tying together the themes explored throughout the book. Overall, Homosexual Behaviour in Animals serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of animal behaviour and the evolutionary implications of same-sex interactions.

Review of the hardback: 'For anyone interested in animal behaviour, this book is a valuable reference which brings together a collection of current research into homosexual behaviour in animals in one volume.' Biologist
Review of the hardback: 'Sommer and Vasey have sharply steered the Darwinian study of homosexual behaviour out of its infancy and towards all the defining features of a mature science … the book deserves to be widely read by researchers interested in ultimate functions of human and animal behaviour alike.' Journal of Evolutionary Psychology
'… I highly recommend this book to scholars, but also to anyone wishing to broaden their understanding of this perfectly natural and fascinating facet of animal behaviour, including our own species.' Dr F. Blake Morton , Primate Eye
'… the book … gives readers a useful foundation for understanding key findings and research trajectories that are applicable to any species. … I highly recommend this book to scholars, but also to anyone wishing to broaden their understanding of this perfectly natural and fascinating facet of animal behaviour, including our own species.' F. Blake Morton, The Primate Eye

ISBN: 9780521182300

Dimensions: 244mm x 170mm x 21mm

Weight: 630g

394 pages