The Dissenter

#1143 Brian Lerch: Same-Sex Sexual Behavior, Indiscriminate Sexual Behavior, Attachment, and Divorce

Jun 10, 2025
Guest
Brian Lerch
Brian Lerch, a theoretical ecologist and evolutionary biologist with a fresh PhD from UNC Chapel Hill, dives into fascinating insights about same-sex sexual behavior in the animal kingdom. He discusses how this behavior may have adaptive purposes rather than posing evolutionary challenges. Lerch then delves into the evolutionary implications of indiscriminate versus discriminated sexual behaviors, revealing surprising dynamics in mate attachment and even the role of divorce in fostering healthier relationships. It's a thought-provoking exploration of behavior, evolution, and relationships!
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INSIGHT

Same-Sex Sexual Behavior Adaptation

  • Same-sex sexual behavior includes courtship and copulation attempts between same-sex individuals, not always implying attraction.
  • It can be adaptive when mating opportunities are rare or costly to miss, supporting indiscriminate mating strategies.
INSIGHT

Indiscriminate Sexual Behavior Origins

  • Indiscriminate sexual behavior is ancestral, likely the default for early sexually reproducing animals.
  • It persists when mating costs are low or missing mates is costly, favoring attempts with any conspecific.
ANECDOTE

Common Toads' Indiscriminate Mating

  • Male common toads indiscriminately attempt Amplexus with others; release calls quickly end same-sex attempts.
  • Low cost interactions favor maintaining indiscriminate mating behaviors rather than evolving discrimination.
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