A possible origin and adaptive significance of the mounting behaviour shown by some female mammals in oestrus

Summary

It is suggested that female-female mounting, common in domestic cattle and various other mammals during oestrus, may have a function in attracting the male and ensuring a mating. As such it could serve as a potent alternative to more direct forms of solicitation. Especially where intra-male competition (sexual selection) is intense, behaviour characteristic of rival males (e.g. mounting, threat displays, etc.) should act as a powerful attractor of the dominant herd bull, thus having a dual advantage to the female, and explaining the origin of the behaviour. Anoestrus mounting of an oestrus mountee can be explained by kin selection and/or reciprocal altruism.