A dik-dik, a type of dwarf antelope with tiny horns. All photos by National Geographic
Horns are a curious biological development that come in all shapes and sizes and serve different purposes. There are plenty of white-tailed deer around the Gallon Jug Estate, some of which are young bucks with anywhere from one- to five-point antlers, and last night two guests actually watched a pair of these males butting heads within Chan Chich Lodge. An article by National Geographic enlightens us to the horny way of life:
Horns evolved independently in many animals to meet similar needs—first as weapons, and then as defenses against rivals, says Don Moore, director of the Oregon Zoo in Portland.
Horns likely initially inflicted body blows, but became larger and more elaborate as they absorbed blows to the head. This strategy led some animals, like pronghorns, to essentially wrestle (watch a video), whereas others, like sheep, ram their opponents.
Organikos 