We propose a practical concept that distinguishes the particular kind of weaponry that has
evolved to be used in combat between individuals of the same species and sex, which we …

Antlers are bony appendages of deer that undergo periodic regeneration from the top of
permanent outgrowths (the pedicles) of the frontal bones. Of the “less familiar” bone types …

INTRODUCTION The ruminants are one of the most successful mammalian lineages,
exhibiting extensive morphological and ecological diversity and containing several key …

Ruminants are the only extant mammalian group possessing bony (osseous) headgear. We
obtained 221 transcriptomes from bovids and cervids and sequenced three genomes …

The long neck of the giraffe has been held as a classic example of adaptive evolution since
Darwin's time. Here we report on an unusual fossil giraffoid, Discokeryx xiezhi, from the early …

Mineralized tissues accumulate elements that play crucial roles in animal health. Although
elemental content of bone, blood and teeth of human and some animal species have been …

Phylonyms is an implementation of PhyloCode, which is a set of principles, rules, and
recommendations governing phylogenetic nomenclature. Nearly 300 clades-lineages of …

In many species that fight over resources, individuals use specialized structures to gain a
mechanical advantage over their rivals during contests (ie weapons). Although weapons are …

This review describes the formation, structure, and function of bony compartments in antlers,
horns, ossicones, osteoderm and the os penis/os clitoris (collectively referred to herein as …

Altered neural crest cell (NCC) behaviour is an increasingly cited explanation for the
domestication syndrome in animals. However, recent authors have questioned this …