Most people do not spend much time thinking about the diversity of genital design that has evolved. This thread is here to try and remedy this deficiency.
Spiny ant eaters have a four headed penis on which only two of the heads are actually functional during ejaculation:
The Ant Eaters switch between the two active heads with every copulation for reasons not yet fully understood. More here:
Exhibitionist spiny anteater reveals bizarre penis - life - 26 October 2007 - New Scientist
Another impressive mammalian member is the modified clitoral pseudopenis of the
spotted hyena. The female pseudopenis is distinguishable from the male penis only by the shape of the head, and is even capable of maintaining an erection.
Photo of a female spotted hyena's pseudopenis:
The pseudopenis is still functional in urination and is also traversed by the birth canal.
Unlike mammals, most male birds do not have a penis. Fertilization takes place externally, females often storing sperm in special storage tubules for meting out at a later date.
Red-Billed Buffalo Weavers are unique in that males have evolved a "phalloid organ" that is actually used in sexual stimulation that climaxes in something akin to an orgasm:
Quote:
Access : Birds feel the rub : Nature News
"These birds would be at it for 10-20 minutes," says ecologist Tim Birkhead
of the red-billed buffalo weaver and its remarkable false phallus. A male
uses his organ to rub females up the right way and improve his sperm's
chance of success1. By massaging his member the male also reaches what
looks like an orgasm - a first in the bird world.
open access continuation of article
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