What is an "antler"?

An antler is a bony structure that is unique to members of the deer family, including deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. They are typically found only in males, although female reindeer also possess antlers in some populations. Antlers are made of bone tissue and are composed of a complex network of blood vessels and living cells during their growth phase. They are branched structures that emerge from the frontal bones of the skull and continue to grow and develop each year. Antlers serve various purposes, including defense, dominance displays, and attracting mates during the breeding season. They are shed and regrown annually through a process called antler casting, which involves the shedding of the outer velvet layer and eventual hardening of the bony core. The size, shape, and number of antler branches can vary greatly among species and even among individuals within a species, making them an intriguing feature of many ungulate species.