Abstract
Structural variations in copulatory plugs and female reproductive tracts are described for 23 species of muroid rodents. Females were killed and examined 15 min after receiving one ejaculation from a conspecific male. Measurements of the copulatory plug and the female's reproductive tract were then recorded. The data suggest that: 1) vaginal length may be a significant determinant of plug length, the coagulant essentially occupying the entire vaginal lumen; 2) vaginal length significantly covaries with penile length; 3) lengths of the upper reproductive tract of the female are significantly related to her body mass and do not appear to be influenced by insemination; and 4) tract lengths do not appear to vary appreciably with the estrous cycle, at least in Peromyscus maniculatus bairdi .
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
