This letter is in response to Alan Light’s letter regarding homosexual behavior in animals.

First, I would like to address his comment that, “This book … proves that homosexuality is indeed a natural and normal part of life.”

Anyone who has an interest in science should know that nothing like this is ever “proven.”

There is more evidence supporting natural selection than there is for this theory, yet we still have heated debates about evolution.

I also wonder how Mr. Light and/or the author of “Biological Exuberance” have determined that the mammals and birds are enthusiastic about their homosexuality.

Science doesn’t even claim that many species are enthusiastic about heterosexual sex.

Most scientists tend to believe that sexual activity is carried on as a matter of reproduction and necessity rather than an act of enjoyment.

At the same time, I have heard similar theories regarding homosexual behavior in the past, and I have no particular reason to disbelieve them.

Some believe that homosexual behavior can be triggered in many species by overcrowding.

This may or may not be true for human populations.

Others claim a genetic link to such behavior.

Still others combine the two.

No one has proven any of these theories, but they do offer some explanation for such activities.

I don’t claim to know the answers, but I don’t think anyone has scientific proof of any of these theories.

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Danelle Boeckmann

Graduate student

Water resources and forestry