What term is commonly used to refer to the act of sexual intercourse in animals?

The term "coitus" specifically describes the act of sexual intercourse in both humans and animals. It is a biological term used to refer to the physical act where there is a union of reproductive organs, allowing for the process of reproduction to take place. Coitus is often employed in scholarly and educational contexts to describe the mating process in a technical manner.

While "mating" and "breeding" can refer to various aspects of reproduction, they do not always denote the specific physical act of sexual intercourse. Mating can encompass a broader range of behaviors and interactions between animals beyond just the act itself, which might include courtship and pairing. Breeding, on the other hand, typically involves the intention to reproduce and can include selection of mates, gestation, and the care of offspring. "Copulation" can also be used to describe the same act and is synonymous with coitus; however, coitus is more commonly associated with the interaction itself, making it the preferred term in many contexts.