- Defense: Antlers are used for defense against predators and for fighting with other males during mating season.
- Dominance: The size and shape of antlers can indicate a male's strength and dominance, which can be important for attracting females and establishing territory.
- Display: Antlers are also used for display and communication. They can be used to show off a male's fitness and health, and can help attract mates.
- Grooming: Some species of deer use their antlers to scratch and groom themselves.
Antlers are shed and regrown annually in most species. The growth of antlers is influenced by various factors such as genetics, nutrition, and environmental conditions. Healthy antlers are an important part of the biology and behavior of deer and other antlered animals, and they do not have any inherent negative effects.