Ecological and social pressures drive same-sex sexual behaviour in non-human primates
File(s)Coxshall et al 13NOV2025.docx (163.72 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Coxshall, Chloe
Nesbit, Miles
Hodge, Josh
Savolainen, Vincent
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) is widespread across animal species; however, its evolutionary origins and ecological underpinnings remain poorly understood. In social animals, SSB is likely shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. For instance, a recent study in rhesus macaques indicate that while SSB is partially heritable and genetically based, it is also strongly influenced by environmental and social conditions. Here, we compiled species-level data on 491 non-human primate species, documenting SSB occurrence and prevalence in 59 species, and examined its associations with 15 environmental, life history, and social traits using phylogenetic regression and structural equation modelling. SSB occurrence was more likely in species inhabiting drier environments with increased food scarcity and predation pressure, in species with greater size dimorphism and longer lifespans, and in those with more complex social structures and hierarchies. Structural equation modelling further indicated that environmental and life history traits influence SSB mainly indirectly, whereas social complexity directly promotes its occurrence. Together, these findings highlight SSB as a context-dependent behaviour shaped by interactions among ecological, life history, and social factors, offering insights into the sexual diversity and social evolution of primates.
Date Acceptance
2025-11-20
Citation
Nature Ecology and Evolution
ISSN
2397-334X
Publisher
Nature Research
Journal / Book Title
Nature Ecology and Evolution
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted