Penis fencing is a mating behavior engaged in by certain species of flatworm, such as Pseudobiceros hancockanus. Species which engage in the practice are hermaphroditic, possessing both eggs and sperm-producing testes.[1]
The species "fence" using two-headed dagger-like penises which are pointed, and white in color. The "winner" is the organism that inseminates the other. The sperm is absorbed through pores in the skin, causing fertilization in the "loser".[2][3]
Child-bearing, while necessary for the continuation of a species, requires considerable resources from the mother. Thus, from a biological point of view, it is preferable to be the father rather than the mother. However, there are other hermaphroditic species where both partners try to be inseminated rather than to inseminate.[3]
Other uses
The term also applies to homosexual activity between two male bonobos.[4]
See also
References
- ^ Leslie Newman. "Fighting to mate: flatworm penis fencing". PBS. http://www.pbs.org/kcet/shapeoflife/episodes/hunt_explo2.html.
- ^ Michiels, N.K., and L.J. Newman. (1998). Sex and violence in hermaphrodites. Nature 391:647.
- ^ a b Hermaphrodites duel for manhood, Science News Online. Accessed 14 March 2009.
- ^ Bonobo Sex and Society, by: de Waal, Frans B.M., Scientific American, 00368733, Mar95, Vol. 272, Issue 3 (Word document) "They also practice so-called penis-fencing, in which two males hang face to face from a branch while rubbing their erect penises together."
External links
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