Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 113:117–127. East M L, Hofer H, Wickler W. 1993. The erect ‘penis’ is a flag of submission in a female‐dominated society: greetings in Serengeti spotted hyenas.

Holekamp has developed a new theory to explain the evolution of the hyenas' female-dominated social structure and odd reproductive apparatus. "I think the bone-crushing adaptation is the key to it ...

are favored to hold the power—typically through reproductive control like trading sex for food and prime sleeping spots. An example of this trade can be seen in spotted female hyenas, whose genital ...