http://bigthink.com/think-tank/the-gay-gene-new-evidence-supports-an-old-hypothesis
This is an article that argues the following:
"A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine has found a link between homosexuality and female fertility. The mothers and maternal aunts of gay men have "increased fecundity compared with corresponding maternal female relatives of heterosexual men," the authors of the study write.
This study, which the authors note was based on a small sample and "would benefit from a larger replication," supports the so-called "balancing selection hypothesis." The gay gene -- or genes -- are thought to exist on the X chromosome, and "increase the reproductive value" of the female relatives. In other words, it makes the women more attractive to men, allowing them to produce more offspring. So while the 'gay gene' may not be passed down directly, it will survive over the course of many generations. "
The actual research paper can be found here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02785.x/abstract
Basically what the article is saying is that there is a gene in the X chromosome that makes women more reproductively successful. When this gene is passed on the male offspring, it may result in homosexuality. This is another possible explanation as to how such a gene would survive multiple generations of natural selection. However, I find it a bit difficult to swallow. Criticisms to the study are brought up in the first article.
"According to Sykes, "there is some evidence that there is a genetic predisposition to male homosexuality." And yet, in Sykes's view, it is highly unlikely there exists "a simple gay gene" that you either have or don't have. "
Therefore it is suggested that the 'gay gene' influences homosexuality in men, but does not definitively "turn them gay." I tend to lean more towards this angle, though I'm not sure exactly how to apply all this new information.
Articles on the subject:
http://discovermagazine.com/2007/jun/born-gay
"There he discovered a shared genetic marker, a patch of DNA called Xq28. Interviews with the subjects also revealed them to be either gay or straight. (In this respect, men are entirely different from women. Studies have shown that women respond to all types of sexual depictions—not only heterosexual and homosexual images but even those of chimpanzees having sex.)"
I'm glad I found this article too, because while I was reading about this I kept thinking "What about the lesbians?" Basically this research only applies to gay men. Therefore, there is are different evolutionary processes going on with women.
How I can put this in my WunderKammer: There is a part of the museum where you open a curtain and there is a mirror, suggesting human beings to be part of the exhibit. I plan to put this here, and talk about the study discussed above, considering it is a study on humans and not any other animals, it cannot be applied to a larger scope of species. I think it is important to present all of this information as 'studies that are in development' and not fact. I need to figure out my phrasing to get this right.
I also found articles about altering the DNA of mice in Korea to cause them to be more attractive to members of the same sex : http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-07/has-gay-gene-been-found-female-mice
"A group of Korean geneticists has altered the sexual preferences of female mice by removing a single gene linked to reproductive behavior. Without the gene, the mice gravitated toward mice of the same sex. Those mice who retained the gene, called FucM, were attracted to male mice. (FucM is short for fucose mutarotase.)"
Another Article on the same Study: http://www.zmescience.com/medicine/genetic/gay-gene-found-lesbian-mice-study-0232321/
I think it is important if I talk about this to say that this study only involves MICE, and should not be used to make assumptions about human beings.
In this article the production of Seratonin alters the preference towards females in male mice: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12825688
I find after doing this research I am even more confused. I hope to be able to bring it to a point where I can show people information without pressing an agenda, or presenting it as truth about human beings.
-Isabella
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