Antlers vs. Horns
Posted by Kathleen Griffin on October 31, 2005
Q: What are the functions of both horns and antlers. Thank you!
State: Oregon
A: Probably the most important function of antlers is that these structures provide males with a way to show their fitness - large antlers equals a fit male. Also, these antlers are used when males fight for access to females and dominance in a group setting. Granted, caribou females do have antlers too (not as large as the males though) but these are probably more important as a protective device than anything else.
As for horns, both the males and females have these structures. Horns certainly provide some protection for the females but are larger in the males, providing weapons for sparing as males decide their dominance. Thanks for your question.
John Wiessinger ( November 1, 2005)