What is Natural about Sex?

ANTH 250: Issues in AnthropologyKimberly Martin, Ph.D.

Bonobo Chimpanzees Pan paniscus

• Walk upright more• Use sexual behaviors to

comfort or to resolve conflict

• Display all types of homosexual and heterosexual behaviors

• Same lifelong mother-child and sibling relationships

Bonobo Mothers with Offspring

Bonobo Male Grooming Female

Upright, Bipedal Bonobo Carrying

Sugar Cane

Bonobo Relaxing

Bonobo Female Stretching

Bonobo Intercourse in Missionary Position

Bonobo Intercourse in Missionary Position

Bonobo Females “GG Rubbing”

Bonobo Males

“Rump-Rubbing”

Bonobo Female Masturbating

Bonobo Male Display