In her book "Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex," Mary Roach explores the intersection of science and sexuality through various studies and anecdotes. One interesting observation she makes is about the behavior of rats during mating. Researchers found that while a pair of copulating rats may be distracted by cheese crumbs placed nearby, the female rat is far more likely to be distracted than the male. This highlights the different focus and mating strategies of the two sexes.
This example illustrates how environmental factors can impact animal behavior, particularly in mating situations. It suggests that while females may be more sensitive to distractions, males often maintain their focus during reproduction. Roach's work sheds light on the complexities of sexual behavior in animals, providing a deeper understanding of how distractions can influence mating dynamics.