Anatidae Anomalies

This is an extraordinary story about the genitalia of ducks.

 

Apparently, while male researchers have lovingly described the bizarre penises of the males of many species of ducks, none of them have ever thought to check out the corresponding receptacles of the females. They simply assumed that the oviducts were simple and straightforward tubes, and then theorised extravagantly over why the males of some duck species have unusual penises. It has taken a female researcher to discover the truth – the female oviduct ain’t simple either.

 

Let’s hear it for Dr. Patricia Brennan, a behavioural ecologist, who has gone where no male researcher has ever dared venture before. Carl Zimmer, over at The Loom, has the story.