Ovulation, Meet Copulation! The Beauty of Efficiency in Wild Sex...
By Carin Bondar
This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
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In one of the latest episodes of 'Wild Sex', I discuss the fact that in certain animals the processes of ovulation and copulation are coupled. How very efficient in terms of evolution! Let's face it, the number of gametes that are carelessly spewed about and wasted is rather high in animals from broadcast-spawning invertebrates to contraceptive-loving humans. It's nice to see that at least some animals are maximizing their chances of successful fertilization with each bout of copulation. Rabbits of course, but which other animals? You'll have to watch to find out!
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