CONCEALED OVULATION Meaning and
Definition
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Concealed ovulation refers to the absence of obvious external signs or signals in female primates or mammals during their fertile period or ovulation. Unlike many other species where ovulation is openly signaled by visual, auditory, or olfactory cues, concealed ovulation means that female primates or mammals do not exhibit any noticeable physical changes or behaviors indicating that they are in the most fertile phase of their menstrual cycle.
In species with concealed ovulation, it becomes more challenging for males to accurately determine when females are most fertile. This lack of overt signals can result in prolonged mate guarding or frequent copulations throughout the female's cycle by potential mates. In some cases, males need to rely on other factors such as subtle changes in female behavior or pheromone cues to identify the optimal time for successful mating.
The concept of concealed ovulation has been hypothesized to provide several advantages for female primates or mammals, including reducing male aggression during non-fertile periods, enhancing paternal care, and promoting pair bonding. By concealing ovulation, females may be capable of securing resources and male investment from multiple potential mates, increasing the chances of offspring survival.
Concealed ovulation has been extensively studied in various primates, including humans. While some researchers argue that humans also have some subtle physical or behavioral cues indicating ovulation, it is generally agreed that humans possess a higher level of concealed ovulation compared to other primates, making it more challenging for males to accurately detect the most fertile phase in females.
Etymology of CONCEALED OVULATION
The term "concealed ovulation" is composed of two main words: "concealed" and "ovulation".
1. "Concealed" comes from the Old French word "conceler", which means to hide or keep secret. It ultimately derives from the Latin word "concelare", meaning "to hide completely". The prefix "con-" indicates intensity or completeness, while the root "celare" means "to hide".
2. "Ovulation" comes from the Latin word "ovulum" meaning "egg" or "small egg". The suffix "-ation" implies a process or action.
Therefore, "concealed ovulation" refers to the fact that ovulation in humans is not readily apparent or easily observable, as it does not involve noticeable external changes like swelling or color changes, unlike the overt signs of ovulation found in other animals.
