antlers
Sign in to savethumb|upright|right|Mature red deer stag, Denmark thumb|upright|Red deer at the beginning of the growing season
Article
23 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Structure and development
- Mechanical properties
- Function
- Sexual selection
- Heritability and reproductive advantage
- Protection against predation
- Female antlers in reindeer
- Antenna for hearing
- Diversification
- Capreolinae
- Cervinae
- Homology and evolution of tines
- Exploitation by other species
- Ecological role
- Trophy hunting
- Shed antler hunting
- Carving for decorative and tool uses
- Ceremonial roles
- Dietary usage
- Shed hunting with dogs
- References
- External links
thumb|upright|right|Mature red deer stag, Denmark thumb|upright|Red deer at the beginning of the growing season
Antlers are extensions of an animal's skull found in members of the Cervidae (deer) family. Antlers are a single structure composed of bone, cartilage, fibrous tissue, skin, nerves, and blood vessels. They are generally found only on males, with the exception of reindeer/caribou. Antlers are shed and regrown each year and function primarily as objects of sexual attraction and as weapons.