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How does a baculum help reproduction in some carnivoran mammals?
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carnivore
Adult snow leopards (Panthera uncia or Uncia uncia) can grow to a length of about 2.1 meters (7 feet) from head to tail and weigh 23–41 kg (50–90 pounds).
The baculum, or penis bone, is a skeletal element found in many carnivoran species. While its size varies significantly—ranging from vestigial or absent in cats to as long as 54 cm in the walrus—it is believed to serve a specific reproductive function.12
In species where multiple males mate with a single female, the baculum is thought to increase the success of copulation and the fertilization of eggs. By providing structural support, the bone likely assists in maintaining the necessary physical conditions for successful mating in these competitive reproductive environments.2