Antlers vs. Horns
Posted by andy k on November 2, 2004
Q: Is there an advantage for having antlers over horns?
Is there an advantage for horns over antlers?
thank you.
A: Good question and one that would be difficult to determine. Keep in mind that antlered-animals and horned-animals have each gone in a direction that "works" for them.
Antlers have always seemed a real drain to me for those that have them since they drop them each year and then must regrow them - that takes energy. Furthermore, antlers would seem to get in their way for species living in brushy areas - seems like the anters would get caught up in branches and undergrowth. But...if it didn't serve their needs, they wouldn't have them.
Either way you look at it, horns or antlers serve the needs of these animals. Even though they may have some negative qualities, they are certainly more positive for each animal, than negative.
John Wiessinger ( November 5, 2004)