What is the Difference Between Deer and Antelope?

Deer and antelope are both even-toed ungulates and ruminant mammals, but they belong to different families and have distinct differences. Here are the key differences between deer and antelope:

1. Headgear: Deer have antlers, which are branched and shed every year, while antelope have horns, which are not branched and are permanent.
2. Family: Deer belong to the family Cervidae, while antelope belong to the family Bovidae.
3. Size: Antelope are generally larger than deer, with some species reaching heights of 9 ft and weighing up to 2,000 lbs, while deer typically stand about 4 ft tall and weigh up to 900 lbs.
4. Habitat: Deer have a wider range and can be found on every continent except Antarctica, while antelope are native to Africa and Eurasia and do not roam the Americas, Australia, or large portions of Europe.

Both deer and antelope are herd animals known for their speed and skittish behavior. However, antelope horns are used mainly as a defense mechanism to fight off threats from predators, while deer antlers are used to impress the opposite sex and display dominance against potential male competitors.

Comparative Table: Deer vs Antelope

Here is a table comparing the differences between deer and antelope:

Deer and antelope are both even-toed ungulates and herbivores, but they belong to different families and have distinct characteristics. The most noticeable difference is the growth on their skulls, with deer having antlers and antelope having horns.