Caribou Are the Only Deer Species in Which Females Grow Antlers. Scientists Just Figured Out Why

[Introversion]

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/caribou-are-the-only-deer-species-in-which-females-grow-antlers-scientists-just-figured-out-the-clever-reason-why-180988256/

Why do female reindeer have antlers? It’s a question that has long perplexed scientists, since reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)—also known as caribou—are the only species of deer whose cows sport the bony skull protrusions.

Now, researchers have discovered one possible explanation: Antlers may serve as an important nutritional supplement for females that have recently given birth, according to a new study published February 24 in the journal Ecology and Evolution.

Scientists came up with this theory after finding numerous caribou bite marks on shed caribou antlers in the Arctic. By comparison, they found very few caribou bite marks on skeletal bones, which led them to believe there was something about the antlers, specifically, that appealed to the reindeer.

Many North American caribou walk thousands of miles every year between their winter grazing grounds and their spring calving grounds. Pregnant females make this journey, too, even though the migration is energetically demanding.

But it seems these reindeer mothers-to-be have evolved a clever workaround to this problem: They stockpile vital nutrients in their antlers, which they shed just a few days before giving birth. Once their calves are born, females can then munch on the shed antlers for a much-needed boost of protein, calcium and phosphorus. As cows dedicate more time to nursing and less time to grazing, they seem to use the antlers as a quick, easy snack.
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[Maryn]

Nature is fascinating, is it not?

 

[frimble3]

Nature will find a way!

 

[lizmonster]

There are places in the world where women still consume placenta after birth. I wonder if the reasons are similar.

 

[Introversion]

Nature is fascinating, is it not?

“Hey, this fell off my head… Yum!”

Sounds like our Idiot Boy cat.

 

[Maryn]

I'm trying to find the SNL Placenta Helper sketch, but all I'm finding is denials that it ever aired. Bullcrap.

 

[benbenberi]

another case of the Mandela Effect in action, perhaps