Evolution & Human Behavior
Volume 24, Issue 4 , Pages 277-289, July 2003

The human penis as a semen displacement device

Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA

Received 30 August 2002; received in revised form 25 March 2003

Abstract 

Inanimate models were used to assess the possibility that certain features of the human penis evolved to displace semen left by other males in the female reproductive tract. Displacement of artificial semen in simulated vaginas varied as a function of glans/coronal ridge morphology, semen viscosity, and depth of thrusting. Results obtained by modifying an artificial penis suggest that the coronal ridge is an important morphological feature mediating semen displacement. Consistent with the view of the human penis as a semen displacement device, two surveys of college students showed that sexual intercourse often involved deeper and more vigorous penile thrusting following periods of separation or in response to allegations of female infidelity.

Keywords:  Penis morphology, Paternity, Semen displacement, Sperm competition, Sexual behavior

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PII: S1090-5138(03)00016-3

doi:10.1016/S1090-5138(03)00016-3

Evolution & Human Behavior
Volume 24, Issue 4 , Pages 277-289, July 2003

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