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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.
A ‘second female’ is sometimes seen during male-female interaction in close proximity to the couple. This female-looking cuttlefish has the same black blotches as a real female. If the male leaves to fight other males, this individual approaches the female and copulates with her, usually with success.
Males in most hyena species are larger than females, [34] though the spotted hyena is an exception, as it is the female of the species that outweighs and dominates the male. Also, unlike other hyenas, the female spotted hyena's external genitalia closely resembles that of the male.
The clitoris (/ ˈ k l ɪ t ər ɪ s / ⓘ or / k l ɪ ˈ t ɔːr ɪ s / ⓘ; pl.: clitorises or clitorides) is a female sex organ present in mammals, ostriches and other amniotes.. Although the clitoris exists in all mammal species, [1] [2] [3] most studies deal with the human clitoris - few detailed studies of the anatomy of the clitoris in non-humans exist. [4]
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.
Female spotted hyenas have a clitoris 90 percent as long and the same diameter as a male penis (171 millimetres long and 22 millimetres in diameter), [208] and this pseudo-penis' formation seems largely androgen-independent because it appears in the female fetus before differentiation of the fetal ovary and adrenal gland. [206]
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).