Evolution of the mammalian baculum

这个项目旨在验证一种假设，即哺乳动物的阴茎(阴茎骨)的形状是通过它对促进生殖的雌性动物的刺激作用而进化的。杆状骨是哺乳动物体内形态差异最大的骨骼。这种差异的原因是哺乳动物形态上最令人费解的谜团之一。该项目将使用比较进化方法、数量遗传学、形态计量学、行为分析以及神经生物学和生理学的技术来检验这一假设。该项目旨在解决生殖生物学中的基本问题。

This project aims to test the hypothesis that the shape of the mammalian baculum (penis bone) evolved via its stimulatory effects on females that promote reproduction. The baculum is the most morphologically divergent bone in the mammalian body. The reason for this divergence is one of the most puzzling enigmas of mammalian morphology. This project will use comparative evolutionary methods, quantitative genetics, morphometrics, behavioural analysis and techniques from neurobiology and physiology to test this hypothesis. This project aims to address fundamental questions in reproductive biology.