As stuttering parents first explain the birds and the bees to wide-eyed children, most parents do not mention that some male bees may like other males bees. But as the nation exchanges arguments over gay marriage and equal rights, the animal kingdom is engaging in its own display of same-sex behavior.
Homosexual activity occurs in more than 450 species of animals both in the wild and in captivity, according to animal homosexuality expert Bruce Bagemihl's \Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity.""
""There is most definitely enduring, lifelong relationships in same-sex adult animals,"" said Deric Bownds, a UW-Madison zoology professor. However, he said homosexuality is most often observed among younger animals.
Same-sex behavior among juvenile animals can consist of mounting and erections, according to UW-Madison zoology and psychology professor Charles Snowdon.
""Males are most likely practicing with other males when they are juveniles because they are not even going to be looked at by females or taken seriously by females or may not know what to look for in females,"" he said.
In attempting to discover the reasons for same-sex animal behavior, researchers have focused on Bonobo chimpanzees found in the Congo River basin. In tense situations, bonobos have sex with both males and females instead of fighting, and to avoid harming the community, Snowdon said.
A 1980s UW-Madison study showed that primates placed in same-sex groups tended to categorize themselves into sex roles, according to Snowdon. In the all-male group, certain primates became more feminine and had sex with the masculine males, while some in the female group became more masculine and had sex with the more feminine primates.
""It is difficult to determine what an animal's motivation is for having [homosexual] behavior,"" said Henry Vilas Zoo Director Jim Hubing, ""but the reasons for it probably vary between animals.""
Whether for sexual gratification or to resolve conflicts, there is ""very strong evidence"" same-sex interaction among animals means homosexuality is partially a biological trait in humans, possibly combined with social development, Bownds said.
Gay activists have used this information to argue the existence of homosexuality in animals proves it is not a choice. Yet opponents say comparing animal behavior with human behavior is like comparing apples and oranges.
Homosexuality in animals proves it is a ""natural behavior"" for humans and animals, according to Bownds, but he added being natural does not make it correct or incorrect for society.
Left-handed behavior, mental illness and disabilities are all natural, according to Bownds, but all these uncommon and rare traits were once ostracized from society and sometimes considered a ""mark of the devil.""
""It's a social choice whether or not to ostracize [homosexuals] or to say 'no big deal,'"" he said. ""Biology doesn't instruct society to say it is accepted or not accepted.\
