ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Non-reproductive sexual behavior in animals

Okay kiddo, animals are like people in some ways, and just like some people like to hug or kiss someone they love, some animals do too. But sometimes, animals do it without making babies, and that is called non-reproductive sexual behavior.

Let me give you some examples. Do you know what two dogs do when they meet? They smell each other, right? But sometimes, dogs can do more than that, like licking each other's private parts. Now, this might seem gross to us humans, but it's a normal thing for dogs, and it's just their way of showing affection to each other.

Here's another example. Have you ever seen two giraffes rubbing their necks together? That's called necking, and it's how giraffes show love and affection to each other. They do it to reinforce their social bonds and relationships, just like how people hug and kiss each other to show love and support.

Now, not all animals engage in non-reproductive sexual behavior, and that's okay. But for those who do, it's a natural and normal part of their behavior. Just like how we have different ways of expressing affection, animals have their own special ways too!