Spike Antlers in neotropical deer

Spike antlers in neotropical deer (Cervidae)

Reduction of mul-tined antlers occurs at the other end of the curve of negative allometry. Two evolutionary lineages of South American deer have independently evolved morphologically similar "spike antlers". Mazama is most closely related to North American Odocoileus; Pudu are related to large-bodied South American endemic genera.


Text material © 2005 by Steven M. Carr