As we all know, many mammals have a bone in their penis, called a “baculum.” From an evolutionary perspective, this can make copulation more effective (note the strategically curved tip – it’s why mating dogs often seem stuck together). From a human social perspective, the bones give strange credence to the adolescent term “boner,” a keystone word in the vocabularies of middle school males everywhere. Parents take heart: your seventh graders use of the term may reveal a somewhat disturbing lack of insight into human anatomy, but on the other hand, it does indicate a rather sophisticated understanding of mammalian reproductive structure.
So. Here’s a picture of 5 penis bones from a mink, a raccoon, a porcupine, a fisher, and a coyote. Left to right, match the animal with the baculum.
Answer
Raccoon, Fisher, Coyote, Mink, Porcupine.
As one contestant pointed out, this was a hard one. (Sorry, we’ll stop.)
Thanks to naturalist/author Mary Holland for sharing this great picture. You can learn more about the natural world by reading Mary’s new book: Naturally Curious, available now at www.trafalgarbooks.com or at a favorite bookstore. Also, check out her blog.
This week’s contest winner was Lisa St. Hilaire of Augusta, ME.