Sexual attraction, in species that reproduce sexually, is an attraction to other members of the same species for sexual or erotic activity. This type of attraction is often important for the survival of sexually reproducing species, while in many species it serves no immediate reproductive goal; indeed, much sexual behaviour amongst humans is undertaken as a purely social activity.
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The name "lovebird" stems from these birds' affectionate natures. Lovebirds form very close bonds with their mates, usually lasting for life.
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Evolutionary science suggests that sexual attraction evolved in order to maximize the chance of reproducing with the most suitable mate. However, other examples of sexual attraction such as sexual fetishism or homosexuality do not seem to serve this purpose: until more is understood (and conclusively proven) about the nature and origins of human sexual orientation, the nature of sexual attraction cannot be fully understood.
Common elements of sexual attraction in humans
Typically, sexual attraction refers to a person being drawn to another in order to have a sexual relationship. The concrete meaning of a sexual relationship differs across cultures and has changed over the course of history. Because human social behavior is often highly complex, a sexual relationship may start out with little or no sexual behavior ('low key' sexual behaviour such as kissing is common to all human cultures). Then, after a period of time known as a courtship period or even a threshold such as marriage, sexual activity like vaginal, anal or oral sex may enter the interaction patterns.
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