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