Antelope and deer are two different animals but they have many similarities. Both have a long neck, long legs, and a tail. Antelope has horns on its head while deer has antlers.
Both animals are herbivores, but they don’t eat the same type of food. Antelope eats leaves and grass while deer eats plants that grow on trees like leaves and twigs.
Antelopes are typically larger than deer. The antelope has longer legs, smaller ears, a long neck, and a short tail.
Antelope vs Deer – The Differences
Despite similarities, deer and antelopes have some key differences. The biggest difference between the two is the shape of the horn. While the headgear of deer is permanent, antelopes have temporary horns that do not grow back. While deer and antelope share the same habitat, they are different in some ways that make them difficult to differentiate. Read on to learn about the differences between these two animals.
While antelopes and deer are both members of the bovidae family, deer are the most widespread. They live in almost every continent except Antarctica. The largest part of their ranges is in Africa, but the Red Deer is also found in the continent. Both species thrive in many habitats and have very different habits. Antelopes are fast and have been known to run at speeds up to 50 mph. Antelopes have been known to be preyed upon by large birds of prey.
Although antelopes and deer have similar looks, they are two different species. Males of both have antlers and females don’t. The deer horns are usually a two-part structure and grow into different points. While the deer horns are permanent, those of antelopes are shed each year and regrow in the spring. The horns of antelopes are longer and stronger than deer antlers.
How Do Antelopes & Deer Differ in Size & Diet?
Although similar in appearance, antelopes and deer are two different species. Both weigh about 40kg and live for a slightly longer period of time. Antelopes have antlers and horns that are used for combat and defense. The horns are the easiest way to tell antelopes from deer. Deer can be spotted by their large, tufted ears.
Like deer, antelopes are born with horns. These horns are not shed each year, unlike deer. The horns of both antelopes and deer are a defense mechanism that never tears down to rags. Both species are found mainly in Africa, and their average lifespan is estimated to be around 25 years. Both antelopes and deer share the same dietary habits and are considered similar in appearance.
Although deer are the more familiar species, they are not quite the same animal. Both are four-legged mammals belonging to the Bovidae family, which includes 145 species of grazing animals. While deer have global distribution, antelopes live exclusively in the Old World. This includes the Pronghorn Antelope, Nilgai, Blackbuck, and Gazelle.
How Do Antelopes and Deer Adapt to Their Habitat
The way antelopes and deer navigate their habitat is largely dependent on physical adaptations. To avoid predators, antelopes have developed antipredator behavior. These traits serve as signals to warn group members of impending danger, and they may also ward off potential predators. The tail-flapping of white-tailed deer is an iconic example. This behavior may be used to entice a predator into a futile chase, or it may simply alert its companions to danger.
There are many species of antelope. While Deer are known to live in colder climates, antelopes are not native to cold climates. They originate from Africa and Eurasia, and have a wide range of native habitats. Antelopes grow their antlers throughout their life, while deer shed them once a year and regrow them. Both species graze grass and are herbivorous. Antelopes have specialized teeth to chew plant matter.
Some species of antelope have evolved special adaptations to survive in arid, dry climates. Some species have adapted to rock koppies by shedding their skin and developing an oily secretion to repel water. Other species, such as the klipspringer, have adapted to the habitat by changing their bodies in response to changing conditions. The klipspringer, dibatag, and gerenuk are examples of antelopes that use their hind legs to reach foliage.
