Defining Same-Sex behavior in non-human animals
Same-sex behavior has been observed and documented in various taxa like
mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects, and more \cite{Bailey_2009}. \citet{Bailey_2009} categorized these behaviors to differentiate
between sexual orientation, sexual preference, and same-sex behavior.
Same-sex behavior is an individual engaging in sexual activity with the
same sex without a clear preference or choice. Sexual orientation, a
term often used for humans, indicates a defined and repetitive
preference for one sex or multiple sexes. This term is difficult to
apply to non-human animals, as it is difficult to determine if an animal
shows a dedicated preference for one sex or another. Often the term
‘sexual preference’ is used to describe animals that choose a specific
sex when given the opportunity to engage in behaviors with individuals
of multiple sexes. It is important to make these distinctions when
discussing same-sex behavior, as animals participating in SSB still
reproduce with individuals of a different sex \cite{roughgarden2004}. Therefore, if some hereditary component is associated with SSB, it would
still be passed down to offspring.