Baculum morphology predicts reproductive success of male house mice under sexual selection

摘要: Background: Diversity in penile morphology is characterised by extraordinary variation the size and shape of baculum (penis bone) found many mammals. Although functionally enigmatic, diversity form hypothesised to result from sexual selection. According this hypothesis, should influence outcome reproductive competition among males within promiscuous mating systems. However, a test key prediction currently lacking. Results: Here we show that explains significant success male house mice under competitive conditions. After controlling for body other traits, width (but not length) mouse predicts both mean number offspring sired per litter total sired. Conclusions: By providing first evidence linking success, our results support hypothesis evolutionary driven