Antiquity and fundamental processes of the antler cycle in Cervidae (Mammalia)

摘要: The origins of the regenerative nature antlers, being branched and deciduous apophyseal appendages frontal bones cervid artiodactyls, have long been associated with permanent evolutionary precursors. In this study, we provide novel insight into growth modes early antlers. We analysed a total 34 antlers affiliated to ten species, including oldest known, dating from middle Miocene (approx. 19 12 million years old) Europe. Our findings empirical data fossil record demonstrate that patterns regular cycle necrosis, abscission regeneration are consistent modern diverse histological analyses indicate primary processes mechanisms antler were not gradually acquired during evolution, but fundamental earliest evolution and, hence, explanations why deer shed be rooted in basic histogenetic mechanisms.