What defines the horns found on members of the Family Bovidae like the Waterbuck?
Answer
Permanent, unbranched horns that are never shed
Members belonging to the Family Bovidae are characterized by a specific type of cranial appendage. Unlike the antlers found on deer, which are bony structures shed and regrown annually, Bovidae possess permanent horns. These horns grow from bony cores attached to the skull and are covered by a sheath made of keratin. Crucially, once grown, these horns are never shed throughout the animal's lifetime. This trait distinguishes the Waterbuck, along with cattle, goats, and sheep, within this diverse family.
Related Questions
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