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The mammalian pseudo-penis appears to be simply for display, though the spotted hyena is an exception: the female spotted hyena urinates, copulates, and gives birth through her pseudo-penis. This prevents males from mating without the full co-operation of females, which means that mating preferences of the female are predominant.
The spotted hyena is the largest extant member of the Hyaenidae, and is further physically distinguished from other species by its vaguely bear-like build, [5] rounded ears, [6] less prominent mane, spotted pelt, [7] more dual-purposed dentition, [8] fewer nipples, [9] and pseudo-penis.
Sexual mimicry can play a role in the development of a species' social system. Perhaps the most extreme example of this can be seen in the spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta. [1] Female hyenas of all ages possess pseudomasculinized genitalia, including a pseudopenis formed from the clitoris, and a false scrotum formed from the labia.
Female spotted hyenas exposed to larger doses of androgen have significantly damaged ovaries, making it difficult to conceive. [30] After giving birth, the pseudo-penis is stretched and loses much of its original aspects; it becomes a slack-walled and reduced prepuce with an enlarged orifice with split lips. [32]
A female spotted hyena's apparent penis is in fact an enlarged clitoris, which contains an external birth canal. [29] [30] It can be difficult to determine the sex of spotted hyenas until sexual maturity, when they may become pregnant. When a female spotted hyena gives birth, she passes the cub through the cervix internally, but then passes it ...
The female striped hyena's genitalia are transiently masculinized, [17] although it lacks the enlarged clitoris and false scrotal sack noted in the female genitalia of the spotted hyena. [18] The female has 3 pairs of nipples. [19] Adult weight can range from 22 to 55 kg (49 to 121 lb), averaging at about 35 kg (77 lb).
The pseudo-penis and pseudo-scrotum, which are actually a masculinized vulva, closely resemble the male hyena's genitalia, but can be distinguished from the male by the female's greater thickness and more rounded glans. [24] Domestic cats have barbed penises, with about 120–150 one millimetre long backwards-pointing spines. [25]
Female spotted hyenas exposed to larger doses of androgen have significantly damaged ovaries, making it difficult to conceive. [224] After giving birth, the pseudo-penis is stretched and loses much of its original aspects; it becomes a slack-walled and reduced prepuce with an enlarged orifice with split lips. [226]