The majestic displays of horns and antlers on animals such as deer, elk, sheep, and antelope often leave us in awe. But have you ever wondered how these two types of headgear are different?
Although they might seem similar at first glance, horns and antlers are quite different in terms of their structure, growth, and purpose. Understanding these differences can give us a deeper appreciation for the animals that wear them and the roles they play in their lives.
In this article, we dive deep into the world of horns and antlers. I will break down the anatomy, discuss the species that possess them, and the evolutionary advantages they provide. So let's get into it.
Structure and Composition
Did you know that while both horns and antlers are used for fighting and display, they come from entirely different biological structures?
The most fundamental difference between horns and antlers lies in their composition.
Horns are found in various species across the Bovid family. Goats, sheep, and bison, both domestic and wild all have horns. Horns are permanent. They come in a variety of shapes.
Horns
Horns are permanent structures made of a bony core covered by a sheath of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. Horns grow continuously throughout an animal's life and are not shed.
Once they begin growing, they do not stop, although their growth rate can slow down as the animal ages. Because horns are a permanent fixture, they can provide a lot of information about an animal's age and health.
An interior portion of bone that is an extension of the skull is covered by an exterior layer of specialized hair follicles, similar to human fingernails. Horns grow continuously throughout an animal's life and are not shed.
They can be found in both males and females of certain species, such as in the case of cattle, goats, and antelope. Horns typically grow in pairs, and their shape can vary greatly between species—some being straight and pointed, others curling into elaborate spirals.
Baby sheep and goats both domestic and wild are born with horn buds that grow quickly. In domestic animals in some breeds, we have bred them to be polled or without horns. However, in the wild, even animals a month old will have small horns.
While not an exact science we can get some clues to their age from these. For instance, a ram will often develop a four-year ring. This is the most predominant dark and discolored ring. Four years old is when bighorn rams have matured enough to start battling for a mate. As they mature the ring gaps become closer together.
Horns can be broken or misshapen. Each horn has a continuous flow of blood beneath the hard sheath so an injury can end in death. Not to mention being quite painful.
Antlers are made entirely of bone and regrown every spring, which is a significant difference that distinguishes them from horns.
Antlers
Antlers, on the other hand, are made entirely of bone. They are a temporary feature, shed and regrown annually, which is a significant characteristic that distinguishes them from horns.
Antlers are exclusive to members of the Cervidae family. Deer, elk, and moose are well-known examples of animals with antlers.
Antlers are typically found only on male members of the deer family, though there are exceptions, such as caribou, where both males and females can have antlers.
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During the growth phase, antlers are covered in a soft, furry skin known as "velvet," which supplies blood to the growing bone. Once the antlers are fully developed, the velvet dries up and is rubbed off by the animal, leaving behind the hard bone structure we often associate with antlers.
Velvet growing on antlers
Once the antlers are fully developed, the velvet dries up and is rubbed off by the animal, leaving behind the hard bone structure we often associate with antlers. Antlers attach to the skull at a point called the pedicel, which is located between the eye and ear on the frontal bone.
The antlers grow from the pedicel over a period of about eight to ten months, and when they are fully grown, they separate from the skull at the pedicel.
How antlers are attached to the skull.
Typically, antlers begin to grow in the spring and are fully developed by late summer or early fall. After the breeding season, the antlers are shed, and the process begins anew the following year.
This cycle is closely linked to the animal's reproductive cycle and the availability of resources in its environment. The size and shape of an animal’s antlers can change each year, depending on factors like nutrition, health, and age.
CAN YOU TELL THE AGE OF A DEER BY ITS ANTLERS?
Yes and No! The only precise way to tell a deer’s age is by looking at its teeth.
The buck deer grows antlers that have points or tines on them. Often we think that the deer grows a point for every year of its life. This is not true. A well-fed yearling buck can grow a six to eight-point rack. Sometimes age can be interpreted.
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Purpose and Function
The functions of horns and antlers also differ, though both can be used for defense and dominance displays.
Did you know that horns and antlers can actually influence social behavior? That’s right! Animals with impressive horns or antlers often have a leg up in the social hierarchy. For instance, in deer, larger antlers can signify higher status within a group, affecting mating opportunities.
This means horns and antlers aren’t just physical traits; they play a massive role in relationships and survival strategies.
Horns are primarily used for defense against predators and for fighting among members of the same species, particularly in disputes over territory or mates. Because they are permanent and grow continuously, they are always available for these purposes.
In some species, the size and shape of the horns can play a role in social status, with larger horns often signaling a more dominant individual.
Some good footage of Bighorn males fighting! Check out my video on wild sheep
Antlers, while also used in combat, particularly during the breeding season when males compete for the attention of females, serve an additional purpose in displays of dominance and attractiveness.
The size and symmetry of antlers are often key factors in these displays, with larger, more impressive antlers being more attractive to potential mates. After the breeding season, when their primary purpose has been fulfilled, antlers are shed, allowing the animal to conserve energy during the winter months.
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Species Examples
To better understand these differences, let's look at a few examples. Highlighted names are linked to an article I have on the species.
Animals with Horns
Bighorn sheep
Mountain goats
Animals with Antlers
Caribou
Elk
Moose
Conclusion
Understanding these differences not only enhances our appreciation for these magnificent animals but also deepens our respect for the intricate ways in which they have adapted to their environments.
Next time you spot a deer in the forest or a ram on a mountainside, take a moment to observe their headgear—you’ll now know whether you’re looking at horns or antlers, and what those structures signify in the life of that animal.
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of Fox run EEC.
Bison bring up many romantic ideals of a time gone by. At one time bison ranged over much of the country, a cornerstone species in their ecological niche.
After being nearly exterminated by overhunting they have made a heroic comeback.