Comparative Mammalian Male Reproduction: Human and Primate Overview

Male reproduction across the Order Primates (monkeys and men) comprises general principles but also highly specialized adaptions. Even within the same species family, reproductive features can vary substantially. Among the latter are different mating systems, sperm production and sperm competition, presence of a penis bone, specific testicular histology, seasonality of endocrine and testicular functions, and dependence of male reproduction on pregnancy hormones. Reproductive characteristics of men compared to nonhuman primates are efficient spermatogenesis, lack of sperm competition and penis bone, and absent reproductive seasonality.