Mary Allen
Introduction: The Female Deer with Horns
Deer are known for their distinctive antlers, which are a common sight during the mating season. However, it is not only male deer that grow horns. Female deer, also known as does, can also grow antlers, although this is a much rarer occurrence. The phenomenon of female deer with horns has long fascinated biologists, and there is much to learn about the evolutionary purpose of these structures.
The Evolution of Horns in Deer
Horns, which are made of bone and covered in a layer of keratin, have evolved in deer over millions of years. The first deer-like animals appeared in the early Eocene period, around 50 million years ago. These early deer had small, unbranched antlers, which were used primarily for defense against predators. Over time, the antlers grew larger and more complex, and became a key factor in sexual selection. Today, male deer use their antlers to compete with other males for access to females during the mating season.