Antlers

deer · bone · nature

Only males grow them. Male deer grow antlers to attract mates and fight with other males, though reindeer are special because both males and females have them.

Made of many parts. Antlers aren't just solid bone, they also contain cartilage, fibers, skin, nerves, and even blood vessels running through them.

They fall off yearly. Every year, deer shed their antlers and then grow an entirely new set, which is one of the fastest-growing tissues in nature.

Weapons and romance. Antlers help male deer win fights with rivals and also attract females because bigger, fancier antlers show strength and health.