ANIMAL WEAPONS

When the mating season begins, males fight to determine which is the strongest. The most powerful male will be allowed to mate with the most females. By mating with a strong male, the female makes sure that the best genes are passed on to her offspring. To win a female, many males have developed weapon-like growths. The male with the largest weapon is usually the winner of a duel.

Red deer males use their antlers to defend the ownership of the harem of females that they have conquered. Fitter males can grow larger, more complex antlers.

The long narwhal tusk is used in duels with rivals about females. The male with the longest tusk wins the most duels and is hence allowed to mate with the most females.

The Hercules beetle’s horn is a formidable weapon, used to prevent other males from gaining access to the small paths in the ground, where the beetles live.