Horn (anatomy)

A horn is a permanent pointed projection on the head of various animals that consists of a covering of keratin and other proteins surrounding a core of live bone.

In mammals, true horns are found mainly among the ruminant artiodactyls,[not verified in body] in the families Antilocapridae (pronghorn) and Bovidae (cattle, goats, antelope etc.).

These include the Moschidae (Musk deer, which are ruminants), Suidae (Wild Boars), Proboscidea (Elephants), Monodontidae (Narwhals) and Odobenidae (Walruses).

It has been theorized by researchers that taller species living in the open are more visible from longer distances and more likely to benefit from horns to defend themselves against predators.

Female bovids that are not hidden from predators due to their large size or open savannah-like habitat are more likely to bear horns than small or camouflaged species.

For example, the male blue wildebeest reams the bark and branches of trees to impress the female and lure her into his territory.

Some animals such as goats with true horns use them for cooling with the blood vessels in the bony core allowing them to function as a radiator.

[2] In some instances, wildlife parks may decide to remove the horn of some animals (such as rhinos) as a preventive measure against poaching.