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Do ossicones have purpose?
Yes, ossicones have a purpose! They are cone-shaped projections of bone found on the skulls of certain animals such as African and Asian ungulates, like giraffes, okapis and antelopes. Ossicones are thought to provide protection for the animal’s eyes and neck, helping them to defend themselves against predators.
Additionally, ossicones may have a sensing function, providing a large surface area by which the animal can sense environmental changes such as temperature and moisture. These ossicones also permit animals to take in more air, which increases oxygen intake and assists with thermoregulation.
Aside from providing an array of protective and sensing functions, ossicones may also have a social significance. Some experts believe that the size and shape of an animal’s ossicones can reveal their social status, with larger and more intricate formations indicating a higher place in the hierarchy.
As such, ossicones may play a part in social interactions between animals, allowing them to display their relative rank to one another.
In conclusion, it is clear that ossicones are more than just a bizarre-looking part of an animal’s anatomy. While their most primary function is to offer physical protection and increased oxygen intake, ossicones may be involved in all sorts of sensory, defensive and even social activities.
What is the only mammal born with horns?
The only mammal born with horns is the bharal, also known as the Himalayan blue sheep. They are a wild species that lives in the high hills of the Himalayas in India, Nepal and Tibet. The bharal has a thick, woolly coat that can turn white or dark brown in different areas of their habitat according to season.
They usually reach around 4 feet in size and possess short, wide horns that grow between 5-12 inches in length. These horns, which are made of keratin, are usually straight with a hook or a curve, depending on the sex of the animal.
They use their horns to protect against predators and also to establish dominance among their peers. The horns of males are usually larger than the horns of females.
