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.