Homosexuality could be an evolutionary advantage - according to a genetic study of fruit flies

A study of fruit flies has hinted that inherited "gay genes" could be linked to fitness traits which help survival.
Research into flies exhibiting male-to-male courtship behaviour has hinted that these genes might exist in the male Y chromosome.
Mothers from breeding lines with high histories of same-sex behaviour seemed to produce more offspring from those coming from lines with less of a history. Analysis showed evidence of "complex" inherited genetic variation associated with same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) seen in the flies - and a "strong paternal effect", with males passing on the trait rather than females, indicating a Y chromosome link. But the genetic influence on survival associated with fruit fly "gayness" appears to affect females rather than males, causing them to be more fertile. The scientists, from the University of St Andrews, insisted that much more genetic research across other organisms would be needed before any conclusions could be drawn on the evolutionary origins of homosexuality, however.


http://www.itv.com/news/2015-05-27/homosexuality-could-be-an-evolutionary-advantage-according-to-a-genetic-study-of-fruit-flies/

fruit flies it all makes sense..

not sure how homosexuality can be anything but an evolutionary dead end.

The Devil, You Know wrote:not sure how homosexuality can be anything but an evolutionary dead end.

Maybe you need to read the article again.

The Devil, You Know wrote:not sure how homosexuality can be anything but an evolutionary dead end.

if it relies on sexual reproduction it probably would be..

Homosexual Fruit flies  !?!

'Very happy' little munchkins..

It's probably the lead in the water.

       

The Devil, You Know wrote:not sure how homosexuality can be anything but an evolutionary dead end.

because the genes are present in both males and female and they are not a 'gay gene' as such the gene that makes men gay make women highly fertile and promiscuous... So the gene exists because the brother might not pass on his genes but he will be there with another male to help protect his sister that is statically more likely to have a bunch of kids to different fathers.

I don't know about the lesbian gene, i have not heard a study about it... BUT it does seem like it could be helpful since well, rape means that in early society women would be impregnated either way and a lesbian couple will still have each other to help raise kids.. with men going off on extended hunting trips and wars etc it could easily be equally as successful for raising kids

Evolutionary means to an end.
population control