Why is bacterial conjugation often described as a form of sex, even though it differs in many respects from eukaryotic sex?

Bacterial conjugation is often described as a form of sex because it involves the transfer of genetic material between two bacteria, similar to the genetic exchange in sexual reproduction. However, unlike eukaryotic sex, conjugation does not involve gametes or the mixing of entire genomes; instead, it typically involves the transfer of plasmids or specific genes. The term “sex” in this context refers to the process of genetic material exchange, not to the reproductive processes found in higher organisms.