Title
Using geometric probability to compare the random and actual mating success of the domestic cat, Felis Catus.
Using geometric probability to compare the random and actual mating success of the domestic cat, Felis Catus.
Author
Olivia Peters
Olivia Peters
Abstract
The domestic cat, Felis Catus, is a member of the wild feline family, but is tamed down to live in city areas and around people. In this study, I calculated the random probability of mating success and compared it to the actual mating success for the domestic cat. The random probability of mating success was estimated to be .8%. The actual probability of mating success in the domestic cat increases to 100% after the male has persuaded the female to mate. Once a male has rightfully courted his female, he will insert his barbed penis into her cloaca, therefore inseminating her.
The domestic cat, Felis Catus, is a member of the wild feline family, but is tamed down to live in city areas and around people. In this study, I calculated the random probability of mating success and compared it to the actual mating success for the domestic cat. The random probability of mating success was estimated to be .8%. The actual probability of mating success in the domestic cat increases to 100% after the male has persuaded the female to mate. Once a male has rightfully courted his female, he will insert his barbed penis into her cloaca, therefore inseminating her.
Introduction
The domestic cat is comparatively small compared to its relative, the lion or panther. It is furry and gentle. It is also carnivorous. Cats’ increased sense of smell, sight, and sound also make it the ultimate hunter. Cats hear frequencies that humans cannot, making it easy for them to hunt mice and other small prey. Cats are also are nocturnal creatures and have excellent night vision. The domestic cat has the same anatomy as its relatives and are quick and strong with a flexible bodies. They are also equipped with sharp reflexes, retractable claws, and razor-like teeth, therefore enabling them to hunting. Cats are also very social. They have a whole range of vocalizations including, meowing, purring, hissing, and growling, and secrete cat pheromones which signal that they’re ready to mate. Lastly, domestic cats have rapid breeding rates. Cats go into heat and mate a few times a year. In this study, I used geometric probability to compare the random mating success with the actual mating success of the domestic cat.
The domestic cat is comparatively small compared to its relative, the lion or panther. It is furry and gentle. It is also carnivorous. Cats’ increased sense of smell, sight, and sound also make it the ultimate hunter. Cats hear frequencies that humans cannot, making it easy for them to hunt mice and other small prey. Cats are also are nocturnal creatures and have excellent night vision. The domestic cat has the same anatomy as its relatives and are quick and strong with a flexible bodies. They are also equipped with sharp reflexes, retractable claws, and razor-like teeth, therefore enabling them to hunting. Cats are also very social. They have a whole range of vocalizations including, meowing, purring, hissing, and growling, and secrete cat pheromones which signal that they’re ready to mate. Lastly, domestic cats have rapid breeding rates. Cats go into heat and mate a few times a year. In this study, I used geometric probability to compare the random mating success with the actual mating success of the domestic cat.
Method
Theoretically, random mating means taking 100 darts and throwing them at the body of a female domestic cat. The question is, what would be the chance of hitting her cloaca, the bull’s eye? The random mating success was calculated using two geometric figures, a square and circle (See Fig. 1). The surface area of the female’s body was defined using a square, which covered her entire backside. The bull’s eye is defined as a circle where the male will deposit his sperm using his barbed penis (Fig.2.) Random mating success was calculated as the surface area of the cloaca divided by the surface area of the female’s body that the male sees.
Theoretically, random mating means taking 100 darts and throwing them at the body of a female domestic cat. The question is, what would be the chance of hitting her cloaca, the bull’s eye? The random mating success was calculated using two geometric figures, a square and circle (See Fig. 1). The surface area of the female’s body was defined using a square, which covered her entire backside. The bull’s eye is defined as a circle where the male will deposit his sperm using his barbed penis (Fig.2.) Random mating success was calculated as the surface area of the cloaca divided by the surface area of the female’s body that the male sees.
Results
Target Surface Area: 6.2 x 6.4 = 39.68
Bull’s Eye Surface Area: .325 x .325= .105625 x 3.14= .332
Random probability of mating success (bull’s eye/target surface area) .332 / 39.68= .008 x 100= .8
There is a .8% probability of random mating success.
According to my geometric calculations, the female’s cloaca is only .8% of the total back side surface area of the female. By chance alone, less than 1 dart would hit the bull’s eye.
Target Surface Area: 6.2 x 6.4 = 39.68
Bull’s Eye Surface Area: .325 x .325= .105625 x 3.14= .332
Random probability of mating success (bull’s eye/target surface area) .332 / 39.68= .008 x 100= .8
There is a .8% probability of random mating success.
According to my geometric calculations, the female’s cloaca is only .8% of the total back side surface area of the female. By chance alone, less than 1 dart would hit the bull’s eye.
Discussion
In my study, I found that unless the male is perfectly aware and able to mate, there is less than one chance in 100 that the male could find the cloaca, mount, and successfully inseminate the female with all its senses not available. The male increases that probability to a 100% mating success. For one, he’s not blind or deaf. He can smell her pheromones. He also courts her, so as to make the experience easier and painless. For one, the female only considers the largest and strongest male for her mate. The male will start courting the female by sniffing her cloaca, licking and grooming her face and body, and lying next to her, while howling and meowing. After the female has given her signal, the male will mount and inject his barbed penis into her cloaca. He releases his sperm and goes on his way, deserting the female. After mating, the female proceeds to roll around and lick her cloaca, helping the egg move to be fertilized.
After copulation and fertilization, the female can have one to seven kittens in a litter and spends all her time rearing them as she is the primary caretaker of her litter.
In my study, I found that unless the male is perfectly aware and able to mate, there is less than one chance in 100 that the male could find the cloaca, mount, and successfully inseminate the female with all its senses not available. The male increases that probability to a 100% mating success. For one, he’s not blind or deaf. He can smell her pheromones. He also courts her, so as to make the experience easier and painless. For one, the female only considers the largest and strongest male for her mate. The male will start courting the female by sniffing her cloaca, licking and grooming her face and body, and lying next to her, while howling and meowing. After the female has given her signal, the male will mount and inject his barbed penis into her cloaca. He releases his sperm and goes on his way, deserting the female. After mating, the female proceeds to roll around and lick her cloaca, helping the egg move to be fertilized.
After copulation and fertilization, the female can have one to seven kittens in a litter and spends all her time rearing them as she is the primary caretaker of her litter.
References
Diakow, Carol.
"Effects of Genital Desensitization on Mating Behavior and Ovulation in
the Female Cat." Effects of Genital Desensitization on Mating Behavior
and Ovulation in the Female Cat. N.p., July 1971. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
Hamner, C. E., L.L.
Jennings, and N. J. Sojka. "Reproduction." CAT (FELIS CATUS L.)
SPERMATOZOA REQUIRE CAPACITATION. N.p., 1 Dec. 1970. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
Liberg, Olof.
"Courtship Behavior and Sexual Selection in Domestic Cat." Applied
Animal Behavior Science. N.p., 5 Aug. 1982. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
SCHEPER-HUGHES, NANCY.
"Breading Breaks Out in the Eye of the Cat: Sex Roles, Birth Order, and
the Irish Double-Blind." JSTOR. N.p., June-July 1979. Web. 30 Oct.
2013.
Syufi, Franny. "Cat
Sex 101." About.com Cats. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
Yamane, Akihiro, Teruo
Doi, and Yuiti Ono. "Mating Behaviors, Courtship Rank and Mating Success
of Male Feral Cat (Felis Catus) - Springer." Mating Behaviors,
Courtship Rank and Mating Success of Male Feral Cat (Felis Catus) - Springer.
N.p., 01 June 1996. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment