Seminaires IDEEV  à 12 h les vendredis sauf exceptions

*Vendredi 13 février 2026 12h

« More Than Mating: Same-Sex Sex in Primate Evolution »

Vincent Savolainen, Imperial College à Londres, Royaume-Uni

Summary:

Same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) is widespread in animals, yet it seems to contradict simple ideas of natural selection because it does not directly produce offspring. Its persistence across species has long puzzled evolutionary biologists.

In humans, SSB has a genetic component and appears across cultures and history, but studying its biology is difficult due to stigma, self-reporting bias, and contraception. To avoid these limits, we studied free-ranging rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico.

We asked whether SSB has a genetic basis, whether it reduces reproductive sex, and why it is so common. Using a global analysis of non-human primates, we show that SSB can promote survival and potentially reproduction itself. Same-sex bonds help primates reduce conflict, form alliances, and succeed in harsh, predator-rich environments.

Our study goes beyond anecdotal reports and narrow species studies, using rare long-term genetic and behavioural data. As The Economist observed: “Dr Savolainen has brought rigour to a topic beset by speculation and prejudice.”

*Vendredi 6 mars 2026 12h 

Information Stand Up For Science

 

*Vendredi 13 mars 2026 12h 

« Impact of GC-biased gene conversion on protein evolution” 

Marie Riffis, GQE-Le Moulon (ISEM)

 

*Vendredi 20 mars 2026 12h 

Mariike Kuijjer, University of Helsinki, Finland

 

*Vendredi 27 mars 2026 12h 

Leander Anderegg, University of California Santa Barbara, USA

 

*Vendredi 3 avril 2026 12h 

 

*Vendredi 10 avril 2026 12h 

Diogo Verissimo, University of Oxford

 

*Vendredi 17 avril 2026 12h 

“L’évaluation des produits phytopharmaceutiques en France” : failles scientifiques et lacunes juridiques”

Dorian Guinard, maître de conférences en droit public, université de Grenoble Alpes, Co-président de l’association Biodiversité sous nos pieds, association membre du collectif Justice pour le vivant