What is the primary distinction between antlers and horns in wildlife?

The primary distinction between antlers and horns is that antlers are shed and regrown annually, while horns grow continuously throughout an animal's life. Antlers are composed of bone and typically develop in species like deer and elk; they are a seasonal feature and are usually shed after the breeding season. The process of shedding antlers and regrowing them allows the animal to adapt to changes in environmental conditions and energy reserves.

In contrast, horns are made of keratin (the same material as our hair and nails) and bone, and they are typically found on animals such as sheep and goats. Horns are permanent structures that do not get shed. This fundamental difference in growth patterns and their composition helps in distinguishing these two types of headgear found in wildlife.