Figure 15.

The reproductive tract of the spotted hyena, an African carnivore, is unique in all the world and is outrageous in its risk factors. The fetus (shown) must pass through a tract which turns at almost 180 degrees and continues through the canal of the enlarged clitoris. The clitoris, a homolog of the penis, is enlarged in female spotted hyenas because of high androgen levels, thought to have evolved because they conferred survival benefits upon the female and her young by increasing her body size and dominance at highly competitive feeding opportunities at kills. The clitoris and penis look so much alike that experienced researchers have trouble distinguishing males from females, except by adult size. The vagina and urogenital canal of the female pass through the clitoris, as in no other known mammal. Obstructed labor and suffocation result in the death of a high percentage of neonates.