What is the primary application for the impressive, heavily ridged horns carried by male waterbucks?
Intraspecific competition and dominance displays over territory and mating rights
The large, spirally curved, and heavily ridged horns found exclusively on male waterbucks are a classic example of a secondary sexual characteristic driven by sexual selection. Their primary evolutionary utility is not for defending against external predators like lions or hyenas, but rather for use in combat and display contests against other males. These horns are essential tools utilized during dominance battles to maintain control over vital territories centered around water sources, thereby securing access to prime grazing areas and the opportunity to mate with resident females. The size, symmetry, and overall structure of these weapons likely act as reliable indicators of the male's fitness to both potential rivals and observing females.
