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Updated: Mar 11, 2026
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Protocol for Assessing the Relative Effects of Environment and Genetics on Antler and Body Growth for a Long-lived Cervid
Published on: August 8, 2017
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Origination of antlerogenesis
Nicola S Heckeberg1,2,3
1Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Palaeontology & Geobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, München, 80333, Germany.
Journal of Morphology
|November 19, 2016
Summary
Antler shedding was present in early cervids, even without a burr. This indicates the antler regeneration process evolved with the first antlers.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Morphology
Background:
- Antlers are unique, periodically shed appendages in Cervidae, regulated by hormones like testosterone.
- Early Miocene cervid antlers were thought to be non-deciduous due to lack of a burr.
- The presence of a burr has been considered a prerequisite for antler shedding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that early Miocene cervids possessed antler shedding capabilities.
- To investigate the evolution of antler shedding and regeneration in cervids.
- To clarify the taxonomic classification of early cervid species.
Main Methods:
- Comparative morphological analysis of antlers from extant and eight Miocene cervid genera.
- Examination of external antler features, focusing on the abscission area and base.
- Study of burr-less antler fragments from early cervids (Procervulus, Ligeromeryx, Lagomeryx).
Main Results:
- A regular, porous, and rugose abscission surface signifies antler shedding in both extant and fossil cervids.
- The antler shedding mechanism was present in all studied early/mid-Miocene cervid genera.
- The presence of a burr is not a prerequisite for antler shedding.
Conclusions:
- Antler shedding and regeneration evolved with the initial appearance of antlers.
- The absence of a burr does not preclude antler shedding in fossil cervids.
- Early Miocene species exhibiting antler shedding should be classified within Cervidae.
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