Does this make sense? (regarding genetics and sexuality)

Question

People often say you're BORN with your sexuality

Like, if you like people of the same gender, it's just because your pheromone thingies are screwed up

TOSH! I say, that is bullcrap

If homosexuality was genetic, it would have died out! A gene which made you attracted to someone you can't make a baby with would not survive the generations, because most g*y people don't have kids

Sound reasonable?

Answer 1

Your hpothesis depends on a SINGLE gene being responsible for homosexuality. But if it is a combination of a range of other genes, each of which provides an advantage by itself, then it will continue to crop-up.

Also, the gene-centred view of evolution permits behaviour which is detrimental to the INDIVIDUAL'S chances of breeding, while increasing the survival or breeding potential of close relatives (see "kin selection").

That said - I agree that it is far from certain whether there is any genetic determining factors behind homosexuality. If there are, then it is most likely that environmental factors also play an important role.

Answer 2

Actually, there's an Italian study that found out female relatives of homosexuals on average have more children. So the gene for homosexuality survives because its overall effect on the population is neutral or even beneficial.

The genes for sickle cells disease and favism are next to lethal in homozygosis, but they are widespread in malaric areas because they make people immune to malaria.

You have the same thing with Duchenne muscular distrophy, that X-linked syndrome that makes you bite yourself but I can never remember its name... affected males don't have children, so these mutations should have been wiped out, shouldn't they? But the genes are in their unaffected sisters.

Another beautiful theory dismissed by the brutality of a fact, huh?

Nice try. Goodbye.

Answer 3

yeah you could say that was resonable

Answer 4

Yes, it does sound reasonable.

If sexuality pertained to genetics and not just personal preference, then that would mean that many people would be genetically predisposed to enjoy a certain sexual position as opposed to another, or, say enjoy masturbating with the left hand instead of the right... and... the idea of those sexual preferences being solely linked to one's genes is... rather ridiculous, isn't it?

Answer 5

Another thought is this: If it is genetic, why has it become so common now? If it is genetic, would it be considered a birth defect since it does not serve to propagate the species? I don't mean to offend anyone, I'm just throwing it out there.

Answer 6

i think its natures way of population control, some people aren't meant to breed. whether they're born this way or not (i believe everyone is born with the capability to love both genders, so the environmental factor definitely plays a role throughout life). imagine if every homosexual produced 2.5 kids of their own...

Answer 7

No, your approach is too simplistic.

It's most likely a combination of genes, and development (by that I mean during gestation in the womb), and upbringing.   g**s are very often second sons. This could be caused by an effect of hormones (or similar) on the developing fetus inside the mother.

There isn't a "g*y gene" as such, but there's evidence that homosexuality is genetically based, and has evolved as a side-effect of other traits:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/745658...

The following two point DIRECTLY to genetic differences:

1) There's evidence that there are physical differences in the brains of g*y vs Straight ppl of the same gender:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2...

2) There's evidence that there are physical differences in the inner ear stuctures of g*y vs Straight ppl of the same gender:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/1...

There's evidence that male homosexuality has evolved to invest more in the care of children of the same family group:

http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/...

God also created animals g*y:

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=20718

"*No* species has been found in which homosexual behaviour has *not* been shown to exist, with the exception of species that never have s*x at all, such as sea urchins and aphis. Moreover, a part of the animal kingdom is hermaphroditic, truly bisexual. For them, homosexuality is not an issue."

It's been famously observed in our cousins, the Bonobos (Pygmy Chimps), and oragutans, it serves to smooth social tensions and gain social standing.

Answer 8

The whole "being g*y is in you at birth" Is so stupid to me. I think people  just need to get over the fact their going to h**l for it and stop making up excuses saying it isnt their fault. lol thats just my theory.

Answer 9

Every female has two X chromosomes and every male has an X and a Y chromosome.  The difference in chromosomes causes a difference in the balance of female and male hormones in the fetus which causes differences in physical and mental development of a child.  Certain authors claim that when the balance is upset in the fetus, development may be upset at seven key points.  This may soft-wire a child to have different tendency's which become hard-wired at puberty.  The balance may be upset by the mother's hormones (even terror in England during WWII!, prescribed drugs the mother takes during pregnancy, a tumor in the fetus, etc.).  As such it would be a no fault situation that could happen to anyone.  Live and let live (but don't impose where attention is not welcome).  The changes do not prevent having offspring.

Answer 10

yep

Answer 11

No....because homosexuals are born from heterosexual parents. Homosexuality is not a trait that effects every generation or even 1/4 of a couples offspring. I read somewhere that homosexuality may be caused by hormone levels in the mothers body during pregnancy and not a gene at all.

Answer 12

Homosexuality is biochemical in origin, but almost certainly there is not a single g*y gene (twin studies confirm this).  Nevertheless, it is almost definitely biochemical in origin and that includes a genetic component.  Your understanding of genes is naive, it's not an all or nothing thing, the pathways to something as complicated as sexuality are themselves complicated.  The genes and biochemical environment influence the probability of you becoming g*y and we have little idea how.  It's a roll of the dice.

If your maternal uncle is g*y, that increases your own chances of being g*y.  Also, if you have older siblings, that increases your chances.  Both these things would not have come to light if homosexuality was a lifestyle choice.

In evolutionary terms, g*y people are no more freakish than grandmothers.  Why does a woman live beyond the age at which she is reproductively useful?  To help bring up kids.  The Italian study (mentioned above) says that the sisters of g*y guys tend to have more kids.  Surely the best way to help bring up these kids is to have another grown adult around that isn't preoccupied with their own children, but feels strong familial love for the kids.  Grandmothers do this, so do g*y guys.  That's why they're still around.  They make good uncles (or they should, remind them if you didn't get the birthday present you hoped for).

Answer 13

i do not know if it is genetic but even if it is the parents of the homosexual guy do not need to be g*y or lesbians for the kid to be g*y/L*****n too...

Answer 14

On the surface, it sounds reasonable. However consider these possibilites:

Genetic traits can lay dormant for long times, you have two copies of each gene, so as with some diseases you can carry the gene but not express it.

Also, any complex trait like sexual orientation is not likely to be based off of one gene, but a whole set. This set could 'malfunction' in a variety of ways.

A trait might be the cause of a lack of a certain gene, in which case it could never 'die out'.

New studies suggest that homosexuality actually serves a purpose in nature, details are sketchy though.

Now it is certainly not been determined for sure if sexuality is genetic or not, myself i like to believe it is a combination of your genes and environment, like most things.

An interesting experiment with fruit flies was done last year, by knocking out a certain gene researchers could make the fruit flies all homosexual (made for an.. interesting.. video). Then by adding a chemical (via a spray) they could make them straight again.

Now fruit flies certainly aren't humans, but this suggests that some forms of homosexuality could have a basis in genetics.

Things to ponder..

Answer 15

Yep it certainly does sound reasonable. The latest theory ive heard is that its to do with the hormones the baby is exposed to in the womb.