Penis evolution across species : divergence and diversity

David J. Hosken, C. Ruth Archer, Clarissa M. House, Nina Wedell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The penis is an incredibly diverse and rapidly evolving structure, such that even in closely related species that otherwise differ very little in their morphology, penis form can be highly differentiated. Penises are also much more complex than their fundamental function — sperm transfer — would seem to require. The rapid divergent evolution of male structures is typically the signature of traits under sexual selection and the current evidence suggests the penis is no different in this regard. Despite the general agreement that sexual selection is the main driver of penis evolution, many questions about penis evolution remain unresolved. Furthermore, the penis might be an ideal characteristic on which to focus in the drive to link phenotype with genotype.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)98-106
Number of pages9
JournalNature Reviews. Urology
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018, Springer Nature Limited.

Keywords

  • evolution (biology)
  • penis
  • sexual selection

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