Original subtitles

I want set the record straight about penis bones.

Walruses have the prestigious distinction of having the largest ones on the planet.

Penis bones – or bacula – are enigmatic structures that are possessed by males of

various species across several mammalian orders.

They aren’t true bones inasmuch as they are actually derived from outside of the skeleton

– from connective tissue that forms at the very tip of the penis.

Despite the fact that walruses have kind of won the evolutionary lottery of the penis

bone – scientists cannot come to a specific agreement as to their exact function.

The leading hypothesis as to the original function of the baculum is in helping to maintain

erections.

You can imagine that the Northern oceans (where mammals with the largest penis bones are found)

are quite cold, and copulations most often occur in the freezing water.

Copulation on land does happen sometimes and it comes with its own hazards…

I mean, have you seen a walrus?

If things get a little rough (as they often do), delicate phalluses could easily be crushed.

So the bacula help to ensure that penises remain intact and functional.

Female preference is another important aspect of penis-bone biology.

In addition to facilitating the maintenance of erections and providing penis protection,

there are aspects of baculum morphology that are shaped by what the ladies like.

After all, if a baculum is shaped in such a way that it stimulates and pleasures the

females, it follows that males with said bacula will be more likely to score.

Others species have smaller, but much more intricate bacula with spines, hooks and curves.

Interestingly, the penis bones of walruses, sea lions and polar bears are termed OOSIKs

in Native Alaska cultures and they are used as handles for tools.

This is the pretty much extent of human interaction with penis bones, as our species no longer

possesses them - even though some of our closest primate relatives do.

So unlike the animals gifted with bacula, human males have to perform without this added

advantage.

If you want to see more copulation creations, check out this Wild Sex playlist!

Let us know in the comments what animal sex stories you want to see.

If you want more stories right now, grab a copy of the book Wild Sex, written by me,

Dr. Carin Bondar.

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