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Physical differences are often associated with the different sexes of an organism; these sexual dimorphisms can reflect the different reproductive pressures the sexes experience. For instance, mate choice and sexual selection can accelerate the evolution of physical differences between the sexes.
Among humans and other mammals, males typically carry XY chromosomes, whereas females typically carry XX chromosomes, which are a part of the XY sex-determination system. Other animals have different sex-determination systems, such as the ZW system in birds, the X0 system in insects, and various environmental systems, for example in crustaceans. Fungi may also have more complex allelic mating systems, with sexes not accurately described as male, female, or hermaphroditic.[3]
There are different views on what constitutes sexual intercourse or other sexual activity,[9][10] which can impact views on sexual health.[11] Although the term sexual intercourse, particularly the variant coitus, generally denotes penile–vaginal penetration and the possibility of creating offspring,[3] it also commonly denotes penetrative oral sex and penile–anal sex, especially the latter.[12] It is usually defined by sexual penetration, while non-penetrative sex (such as mutual masturbation and non-penetrative forms of cunnilingus) has been termed outercourse,[13] but non-penetrative sex may also be considered sexual intercourse.[5][14] The term sex, often a shorthand for sexual intercourse, can mean any form of sexual activity.[11][15] Because people can be at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections during these activities,[16][17] safe sex practices are advised,[16] although transmission risk is significantly reduced during non-penetrative sex.[18][19]
Various jurisdictions have placed restrictive laws against certain sexual acts, such as incest, sexual activity with minors, prostitution, rape, zoophilia, sodomy, premarital and extramarital sex. Religious beliefs also play a role in personal decisions about sexual intercourse or other sexual activity, such as decisions about virginity,[10][20] or legal and public policy matters. Religious views on sexuality vary significantly between different religions and sects of the same religion, though there are common themes, such as prohibition of adultery.
Reproductive sexual intercourse between non-human animals is more often termed copulation, and sperm may be introduced into the female's reproductive tract in non-vaginal ways among the animals, such as by cloacal copulation. For most non-human mammals, mating and copulation occur at the point of estrus (the most fertile period of time in the female's reproductive cycle), which increases the chances of successful impregnation.[21][22] However, bonobos, dolphins and chimpanzees are known to engage in sexual intercourse regardless of whether or not the female is in estrus, and to engage in sex acts with same-sex partners.[23] Like humans engaging in sexual activity primarily for pleasure,[24] this behavior in the aforementioned animals is also presumed to be for pleasure,[25] and a contributing factor to strengthening their social bonds.[24]