What is a likely evolutionary reason why female takin retain heavy horns despite lower reproductive competition than males?
Answer
They provide a crucial survival benefit related to defense against high predation risk.
The retention of horns by females suggests the risk of predation on the entire group, including females and calves, is high enough to justify the energetic investment in defensive structures for all adults.
Related Questions
Do female takin possess horns?What material makes up the continuously growing horns of the takin?How does the horn curvature typically begin on the takin's head?What is the primary difference in horns between a male (bull) and a female (cow) takin?What is the approximate maximum length mentioned for the horns of a large bull takin?What is the typical defensive behavior utilized when a group of takin feels threatened?What are the four recognized subspecies of the takin?Which physical characteristic is often used to compare the takin's build?In which aspect do the different takin subspecies show the most noticeable divergence?What is a likely evolutionary reason why female takin retain heavy horns despite lower reproductive competition than males?