Difference Between Antlers and Horns

Antlers vs. Horns

    Certain animals in the animal kingdom have antlers and horns.  Antlers and horns are often confused for one another; however there are distinct differences between the two.  An antler is a long branching deciduous growth which lies on the forehead of certain animal species.  A horn, also lying on the forehead of some animals, is a bone structure which protrudes and is covered with keratin.  From the naked eye, antlers are typically longer than horns, and do appear as though there are branches off of the main stem.  A horn does not have branches, and usually comes to a point at the end.

The purpose of an antler is different for each mammal that has them.  Some mammals have them for auditory purposes, others for foraging, and some for defensive purposes.  Horns are similarly used for defense and to help animals forage for food.  Both antlers and horns are used to fight in the mating process.  Some of the animals which have antlers include elk, moose, and varying species of deer.  Animals which have horns include sheep, buffalo, and antelope.  There are other hard growths which protrude from the forehead or face of animals that can be confused as horns and antlers but may not be.

    Both antlers and horns have bone within them, however the covering of each is different.  Antlers vary depending on sex and species, yet all are covered with a protein skin which promotes bone growth.  The growth of an antler is rapid but does stop when the protective skin falls off, this means the antler has matured.  Horns develop on animals as babies, and they do not stop growing until the animal is deceased.  Horns may become curved or spiraled as they grow.  The skin over an antler is made of protein and a skin called velvet, which protect the bone.  Depending on the season and climate the animal lives in, the skin of an antler can also be shed.  Different from the skin of a horn, which is keratin based and rarely sheds.
    Antlers and horns not only have use to the animals that have them, but they are also highly sought after by man.  Primarily both are used for trophies and decoration purposes.  Horns have also been used to make musical instruments, some to make buttons, and others for glue making.
    To those who are unaware of the differences between the two, antlers and horns can be confused for one another.  Yet, underneath they are two very different animal traits.
Summary:

1. Antlers are branching growths from the forehead of some animals.  Horns are protruding bone structures also from the forehead of certain species.
2. Antlers and horns are both used for foraging and defensive purposes.
3. Both antlers and horns are bone, however they each are covered with different types of protective protein skins.  Antlers stop growing when mature and horns continue growing through the life of the animal.
4. Antlers and horns are coveted items, which are often used in various items some cultures use daily.