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A new group-selection model for the evolution of homosexuality

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Abstract

Abstract. Scientists have long puzzled over how homosexual orientation has evolved, given the assumed low relative fitness of homosexual individuals compared to heterosexual individuals. A number of theoretical models for the evolution of homosexuality have been postulated including balance polymorphism, "Fertile females", hypervariability of DNA sequences, kin selection, and "parental manipulation". In this paper, I propose a new group-selection model for the evolution of homosexuality which offers two advantages over existing models: (1) its non-assumption of genetic determinism, and (2) its lack of dependency on an inefficient altruism relation and family dynamics theory.

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  1. Department of Bioethics, Dalhousie University, 5849 University Ave ., Halifax, NS, B 3H 4H 7, Canada

    Jeff Kirby

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  1. Jeff Kirby
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Kirby, J. A new group-selection model for the evolution of homosexuality. Biology & Philosophy 18, 683–694 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026321628276

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026321628276

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