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Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Hyenas and Matriarchy and a pseudo-penis

I was going to post about matriarchy vs. patriarchy given all the things that have been happening in the U.S. concerning a woman's right to choose, and the chance we might have our first female president. However, I stumbled on spotted hyenas. I knew they were matriarchal, but I didn't know they have penises. Yes, the females have a penis, technically called a pseudo-penis. www.genderinclusivebiology.com

This article explains it better, but all female hyenas have functional penises they use to mount & give birth. Erect penises are a sign of submission in the matriarchal society of hyenas. The female hyena without the erect penis is the dominant leader of the entire pack.

I found this information fascinating. Is this an evolutionary device? There are two main theories about the evolution of the pseudo-penis: 

Control over mating: The pseudo-penis gives females more control over who they mate with.

Camouflage: The pseudo-penis may act as a masculine "camouflage" to deter aggression from other females, especially for female cubs at risk of infanticide.

Other than the female hyenas being badass, what does this say about them? Is this the right way to run a society? Males aren't treated very well in this matriarchal society, but in a patriarchal society, females aren't treated very well. There needs to be a balance. I believe this is the only way for a society to truly prosper.

Read about my badass females (without penises, lol).

 


Website: https://www.kelleyheckart.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/kelleyheckart

2 comments:

Tina Donahue said...

Great post, Kelley! I loved the clip recently shown on TV of Kamala during I'm-having-a-tantrum Kavanaugh's SubPreme Court hearing when she repeatedly asked him if he supported Roe V Wade and he kept dancing around it. Finally she asked (paraphrasing here), 'Do you know of any instance where a male's anatomy is controlled by society?' The turd looked like he wanted to cry.

Animals are way ahead of so-called humans when it comes to sex, forming lifelong bonds even if it's between members of the same sex, and only killing to protect themselves or to eat. Not just for the hell of it. Betty White once mused that everyone uses the term 'brass balls' to indicate bravery and strength. She scoffed and said (paraphrasing here) 'There's nothing tougher than a vagina.'

Here's to cat ladies, everywhere, and taking back every damn right those SOBs have stripped from us.

J. Arlene Culiner said...

Very interesting, Kelley. Thanks for this informative article.