What's the Deal with Horns and Antlers and How Are They Different?

I went to the Singapore Zoo yesterday and a zoo keeper told me that there is a difference between a horn and an antler. It never occured to me that these two are any different. Afterall, aren't they just sharp pointy things that stick out of animals' heads? Well the zoo keeper said that while they might look a bit alike, they are actually very different! Let’s jump into the cool world of horns and antlers and find out what makes each one special.

What Are Horns?

Horns are hard, pointy things that grow on the skulls of some animals like goats, cows, and sheep. You read it right; they actually grow out of the head's bones. Since they are bones, these animals usually grow an extra stuff called keratin on them. What's keratin? It is the same material your fingernails and hair are made of. This layer of keratin protects the bone and can regrow if it is chipped off during battle.

Here are some fun facts about horns:

• Horns don’t fall off. Once they grow, they keep growing all the time or if they stop growing, they cannot 're-grow' after they have been cut off.

• Both boys and girls can have horns, depending on the animal.

• Horns are usually hollow inside and have a bony core.

• Animals use horns to protect themselves, fight for mates, or show who’s boss.

  
  

For example, mountain goats use their horns to climb steep rocks and defend themselves from predators. The horns help them stay safe and strong.

What Are Antlers?

Antlers are different from horns because they are made of just bone and doesn't have keratin. Only animals in the deer family, like deer, moose, and elk, grow antlers. Antlers grow from the animal’s skull too, but they are covered in a soft skin called velvet while they are growing. This velvet has blood vessels that help the antlers grow big and strong.

Here’s what makes antlers special:

• Antlers fall off every year and grow back bigger the next year.

• Usually, only male deer grow antlers, but some female reindeer have them too.

• Antlers are solid bone and can be very heavy.

• Animals use antlers to fight during mating season and to show off to other deer.

  
  

For example, male elk grow huge antlers to battle other males and win the attention of females. After the season, they drop their antlers and start growing new ones.

Why Do Animals Have Horns or Antlers?

Animals don’t just grow horns or antlers for fun. These cool headpieces help them survive and live their best lives. Here’s why:

• Protection: Horns can be sharp weapons to scare off predators.

• Fighting: Both horns and antlers are used to battle other animals, especially when fighting for mates.

• Showing Off: Big horns or antlers can show other animals how strong and healthy someone is.

• Digging or Climbing: Some animals use horns to dig in the ground or help climb.

  
  

For example, bighorn sheep use their thick, curved horns to crash into each other during fights. This helps decide who gets to be the leader of the group.

Cool Examples of Horns and Antlers

Let’s look at some animals with awesome horns and antlers:

• Goats: They have horns that curve backward and help them climb rocky mountains.

• Cows: Their horns can be big or small and are used to protect themselves.

• Deer: Male deer grow antlers every year that look like branches.

• Moose: They have huge antlers that can spread wider than a car!

  
  

Each animal’s horns or antlers fit their lifestyle and environment perfectly.

What Happens When Antlers Fall Off?

One of the coolest things about antlers is that they don’t stay forever. After the mating season, deer and elk drop their antlers. This might sound strange, but it helps them save energy during winter. Then, in spring, new antlers start growing again, often bigger and stronger than before.

The new antlers grow covered in velvet, which feels soft like fur. When the antlers are fully grown, the velvet dries up and falls off, leaving the hard bone antlers ready for the next season.

Why Don’t Horns Fall Off?

Unlike antlers, horns stay on animals for their whole life. Horns grow slowly and keep getting longer and thicker. Since horns are made of keratin, they don’t need to be replaced like antlers. This means animals with horns don’t have to go through the yearly growing and shedding process.

Now you know that horns and antlers might look similar, but they are really different. Horns are made of keratin, grow all the time, and stay on animals forever. Antlers are made of bone, grow and fall off every year, and are mostly found on male deer. Both help animals stay safe, fight, and show off.