Penis Bones Could Be Scooping Out The Sperm of Competitors in Some Animals - ScienceAlert

The 'penis bone', or the baculum, is one of the most mysterious structures in mammal biology.

A 3D analysis of 82 penis bones from different animals has now found some of the most oddly-shaped bacula could very well prolong sex, induce ovulation in the female, or shovel out sperm from other romantic encounters.

The penis bone in the male honey badger, for instance, has one of the wackiest appearances.

While penis bones vary dramatically in size and shape depending on the species, the findings of Brassey and team's current analysis suggest the most 'complex' penis bones, including those with elaborate tips, hooks, scoops and urethral grooves, are commonly found among carnivores and, strangely enough, monogamous species.

"Yet, contra to our expectations, 'socially monogamous' species are found to possess high values for optimal baculum complexity," the authors write.

While group-living carnivores appear to be evolving towards a more simplified, rod-like baculum, the authors found the penis bones of socially monogamous species are evolving towards a highly complex shape.