[Dark Mind]

Well that explained that rather well.
I can't say I fully agree with your last statement, although it is very close to what I believe. Oh well, I guess I'll only find out if I become gay. (not happy...)

[Fishteacher73]

Originally Posted by Fishteacher73

Genes play the role of defining the range in which certain traits are expressed and nurture pinpoints the exacting outcome (and even more so in certain areas such as mental development that occur as a child is growing and there have been many examples of environmental factors altering mental abilities).

That line? Just take a look at psychological assays of negelected and abused children... There are tons of consequences in terms of mental development and negelect.

[Boerseun]

Interesting, Buffy. But I doubt very much if a homosexual gene is beneficial to a given population.
If we assume two exclusive states, namely heterosexual (only copulates with the opposite sex), and homosexual (only copulates with the same sex), it should be obvious that any given homosexual individual will not pass his/her genes on. Therefore, if homosexuality is inherited, homosexuals must go back in the closet every now and then, if only for procreation.
I think if there is a inherited homosexual gene, it is probably suppressed for a generation or two, before eventually being expressed in one or more of the carrier's offspring.
Or, then again, we might be presumptious; there might be a specific gene for straightness!

[Biochemist]

Originally Posted by Buffy

There have been lots of theories posited on this topic, and the referenced studies provide good evidence that there are genes that have developed over time that enhance the survival of species who have a homosexual gene. ...

I have to mention that I have only read about a half dozen of these studies, but generally the studies really poorly support the thesis that homosexuality is genetic. The popular reviews of the primary studies are ALWAYS much more definitive that the underlying studies are. We should start a thread on that topic alone, since it is more of a study on media bias than it is for genetic predisposition of homosexuality.

[orbsycli]

this concept makes sense if you think about prison. very crouded small space....i've never been, but from what i heard.. people do gay things in there.

[Buffy]

Originally Posted by Boerseun

... I doubt very much if a homosexual gene is beneficial to a given population. If we assume two exclusive states, ... it should be obvious that any given homosexual individual will not pass his/her genes on. Therefore, if homosexuality is inherited, homosexuals must go back in the closet every now and then, if only for procreation. ... I think if there is a inherited homosexual gene, it is probably suppressed for a generation or two, before eventually being expressed in one or more of the carrier's offspring....

To be technical, its just expression of recessive genes, and they can skip generations and they do not require any procreation by those who are homosexual: you'd really need to wipe out the entire population that had this recessive gene to make it go away completely, and this and other studies are showing the behavior is not unique to humans, and therefore its probably too well ingrained to ever get rid of.

Cheers,
Buffy

[Buffy]

Originally Posted by Biochemist

I have to mention that I have only read about a half dozen of these studies, but generally the studies really poorly support the thesis that homosexuality is genetic.

You must not know any. Its pretty obvious that it is if you do, although I'll agree there's some room for arguement about the adequacy of the existing data, there's no disproof yet either... "Definitely a wrong lifestyle choice..."

Originally Posted by Biochemist

The popular reviews of the primary studies are ALWAYS much more definitive that the underlying studies are. We should start a thread on that topic alone, since it is more of a study on media bias than it is for genetic predisposition of homosexuality.

Damn that irresponsible press! They're all rabid liberals I tell you! No need to debate that homosexuality is not genetic: we *know* its not! Its all Newsweek's fault for spreading these lies and rumors!

Cheers!
Buffy

[Boerseun]

Originally Posted by Buffy

To be technical, its just expression of recessive genes, and they can skip generations and they do not require any procreation by those who are homosexual: you'd really need to wipe out the entire population that had this recessive gene to make it go away completely, and this and other studies are showing the behavior is not unique to humans, and therefore its probably too well ingrained to ever get rid of.

Cheers,
Buffy

Yessss, yeeeeesss, yeeeeeessss - your technicality is only surpassed by your hotness (I have to go by your avatar). My point is that there are homosexual genes, but social influences (overcrowding) might have a big impact as well. Speaking of which - we're shooting the breeze here, where's the gay members to tell us what's what? Remember - this is a science forum - we're open minded! We won't shoot you or kick you or any such thing!

[Biochemist]

Originally Posted by Buffy

You must not know any.

Know any what? Studies? I confes this is not a hot button for me so I don't research it. But I don't know a study that is credibly referenceable. I would really appreciate it if you could reference one. There really might be a good study. I just have not seen it.

I really only check the ones that pop up in the broadcast news or the Wall Stgree Journal (hardly the liberal media) but whenever I check the primay source, it is pretty weak. Further, the primary authors usually make an appropriate conclusion. It is the meta-references that are so extrapolative.

Have you seen a study that you thought was strong?

[Fishteacher73]

While not directly homosexuality, there are many species that have "cross-dressing" males. Males that appear to be female and slip over to the ladies while the man are out being manly and butting heads or what not to get the ladies' favor and get it on. a somewhat effective reproductive strategy.