A Little Queer Natural History
A Little Queer Natural History showcases species from across the animal kingdom, such as the bicolor parrotfish, which can change biological sex during its lifetime, or the western lowland gorilla, who routinely engage in same-sex behaviors, to offer “an overview of the sheer diversity of non-heteronormative biology and behaviors that exists in the natural world—those not based on the assumed binary of males and females taking on the ‘traditional’ roles that have historically been presented.”
Davis introduces this fascinating topic by stating “around 1500 species of animals exhibit some form of homosexual behaviors . . . but this figure is likely a massive underestimate.” This is a small number out of the estimated 2.13 million species identified to date but widely enough dispersed across the animal kingdom for Davis to conclude: “The most obvious assumption is that most species of animal probably exhibit some form of queer behavior, and being a purely heterosexual species is the exception.”
An obvious assumption, of course, is not the same as an accurate one, yet Davis goes on to state “despite this likely commonality of non-heterosexual behavior, for most of the history of science it has been covered up, ignored, or disparaged.”
While the book’s strength lies in the range of species and reproductive strategies it introduces, its weakness lies in Davis’ penchant for conspiracy theories when what might be occurring is a healthy skepticism and scientific care in examining all possibilities.
Many of the species Davis presents are forced to reproduce in odd and challenging environments, such as the mangrove killifish (which reproduces with itself), or the New Mexico whiptail lizard (which can reproduce by parthenogenesis). An odd chromosomal inversion is causing the white-throated sparrow to evolve what Davis describes as a “second set of sex chromosomes,” while the common pill woodlouse is prey to a bacteria that influences embryos such that genetic males develop as physical females able to lay infected eggs.
Do these examples challenge the commonality of heterosexual behavior, or are these the exceptions that prove the rule? To be fair, Davis’ stated purpose is to introduce the topic and not provide comprehensive answers to questions that are still being discovered. He correctly stresses that A Little Queer Natural History deals with animal behaviors and doesn’t make assumptions about any self- or gender-identity a non-human species may (or may not) have. Aware that more than just reproduction is at play, Davis writes, “Sex is a complex behavior that can—and does—have multiple causes and outcomes, from stress relief, cementing bonds to just pure pleasure.” Davis provides succinct explanations of varieties of reproductive strategies, and highlights some key research, but unfortunately, he often gives his opinions as facts without providing context or engaging in discussion.
This short and unfortunately superficial book does introduce a wide range of evolutionary strategies and suggests questions that can expand our understanding and appreciation for the diversity of life on earth. Each species has its own slight but serviceable bibliography. Yet readers, not to mention moss mites and the splitgill mushroom, would benefit from a more thorough and objective analysis.