Copulatory behavior and its relationship to genital morphology

Orbach, Dara N.

doi:10.1016/bs.asb.2020.01.001

Cited by 11 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 188 publications

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“…[ 10 ]), and other amniotes during sexual activity (e.g. [ 5 ]). However, the neurophysiology and density of these nerves in snake hemiclitores needs further investigation with more comprehensive histology/immunohistology and behavioural studies to determine whether they have a copulatory purpose [ 20 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Unfortunately, studies of female genitalia have lagged next to an overwhelming focus on male genitalia across amniotes [1,3,4]. This is despite some evidence that female genitalia, and the clitoris in particular, have a key functional role in reproduction [5][6][7][8]. For example, variation in clitoris morphology has been linked to different degrees of sexual arousal that could lead to increased reproductive fitness by enticing females to copulate or forming social bonds.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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First evidence of hemiclitores in snakes

2022

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Female genitalia are conspicuously overlooked in comparison to their male counterparts, limiting our understanding of sexual reproduction across vertebrate lineages. This study is the first complete description of the clitoris (hemiclitores) in female snakes. We describe morphological variation in size and shape ( n = 9 species, 4 families) that is potentially comparable to the male intromittent organs in squamate reptiles (hemipenes). Dissection, diffusible iodine contrast-enhanced micro-CT and histology revealed that, unlike lizard hemiclitores, the snake hemiclitores are non-eversible structures. The two individual hemiclitores are separated medially by connective tissue, forming a triangular structure that extends posteriorly. Histology of the hemiclitores in Australian death adders ( Acanthophis antarcticus ) showed erectile tissue and strands/bundles of nerves, but no spines (as is found in male hemipenes). These histological features suggest the snake hemiclitores have functional significance in mating and definitively show that the hemiclitores are not underdeveloped hemipenes or scent glands, which have been erroneously indicated in other studies. Our discovery supports that hemiclitores have been retained across squamates and provides preliminary evidence of differences in this structure among snake species, which can be used to further understand systematics, reproductive evolution and ecology across squamate reptiles.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First evidence of hemiclitores in snakes

2022

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“…This is evident in the reconfiguration of finger and phalange numbers, which manifests in gait types and manual activities [ 38 ]. Several lizards employ their forelimbs for social purposes, such as holding the female during copulation [ 33 , 39 ]; the very success of individual taxonomic groups hinges on their locomotor specializations in the environment [ 40 ], leading to navigational improvements [ 40 , 41 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Functional Anatomy of the Thoracic Limb of the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)

Kępa,

Tomańska,

Staszewska

et al. 2023

Animals

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Since the Komodo dragon has been included on The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, it is crucial to know in detail its biology as there is a limited availability of research material on these animals—mainly those who died in zoos or whose remains were found in the wild. Anatomy is essential for understanding physiology, identification of diseases, adaptations in the environment, and behavior. In this dissection study, the relationship of individual anatomical structures was analyzed, the anatomy of the active and passive movement system of the thoracic limb was described, photographs were taken, and a radiographic examination was conducted. This species has its own differences, even within closely related lizard species. Varanus komodoensis possesses triceps muscles with three heads, and the wrist is extended with additional bones for greater flexibility of the hand. The muscles of the forelimb are analogous to the hind limb; however, they differ in the mass of individual muscles, especially those predisposed to perform the most important antigravity and locomotive functions.

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Primates (Non-Human): Copulatory Behavior

Cezar,

da Silva Evangelista Junior

2023

Encyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior

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Copulatory behavior and its relationship to genital morphology

Cited by 11 publications

References 188 publications

First evidence of hemiclitores in snakes

First evidence of hemiclitores in snakes

Functional Anatomy of the Thoracic Limb of the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)

Primates (Non-Human): Copulatory Behavior

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