Why Reindeer and Their Cousins are Total Boneheads | Deep Look

What if you had to grow 20 pounds of bone on your forehead each year just to find a mate? In a bloody, itchy process, males of the deer family grow a new set of antlers every year, use them to fend off the competition, and lose their impressive crowns when breeding season ends.
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Antlers are bones that grow right out of an animal’s head. It all starts with little knobs called pedicles. Reindeer, elk, and their relatives in the cervid family, like moose and deer, are born with them. But in most species pedicles only sprout antlers in males, because antlers require testosterone.
The little antlers of a young tule elk, or a reindeer, are called spikes. Every year, a male grows a slightly larger set of antlers, until he becomes a “senior” and the antlers start to shrink.
While it’s growing, the bone is hidden by a fuzzy layer of skin and fur called velvet that carries blood rich in calcium and phosphorous to build up the bone inside.
When the antlers get hard, the blood stops flowing and the velvet cracks. It gets itchy and males scratch like crazy to get it off. From underneath emerges a clean, smooth antler.
Males use their antlers during the mating season as a warning to other males to stay away from females, or to woo the females. When their warnings aren’t heeded, they use them to fight the competition.
Once the mating season is over and the male no longer needs its antlers, the testosterone in its body drops and the antlers fall off. A new set starts growing almost right away.
--- What are antlers made of?
Antlers are made of bone.
--- What is antler velvet?
Velvet is the skin that covers a developing antler.
--- What animals have antlers?
Male members of the cervid, or deer, family grow antlers. The only species of deer in which females also grow antlers are reindeer.
--- Are antlers horns?
No. Horns, which are made of keratin (the same material our nails are made from), stay on an animal its entire life. Antlers fall off and grow back again each year.
---+ Read an article on KQED Science about how neuroscientists are investigating the potential of the nerves in antler velvet to return mobility to damaged human limbs, and perhaps one day even help paralyzed people:
ww2.kqed.org/science/2016/12/...
---+ For more information on tule elk
www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature...
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#deeplook

[@carolyns6105]

I could see a lot of people thinking something was wrong with a tule elk if they just saw those bloodied antlers. It's cool to know that it's all just part of his transformation! Thank you for these awesome informational (and aesthetically pleasing) videos!!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You are welcome, Carolyn!

[@DanteYewToob]

Headlines: "Reindeer being abused by companies for Christmas themed attractions! Antlers bloody and balding! What does PETA have to say about this tragic abuse of Rudolph and his friends?!" PETA Responds: "PETA cannot comment on this issue right now. We have dogs to abduct from porches and kill, because death is preferable to bondage."

[@oatlord]

Hum. so in a way, my balding is just my body preparing for next mating season.

[@Roberto-mm4gr]

I thought testosterone made you bald though?

[@thinkngskeptic]

A season that never comes

[@elihernandez800]

No bruh. You better give up on the thought of mating, bald a**

[@8ONJO55]

@@elihernandez800 😂😂😂

[@babypuppyzoey1798]

Whatever you gotta tell yourself bud

[@DUBSkyLinEx3]

The quality of these videos are so high, you really deserve more views guys!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

[@YoungTheFish]

It's like a mini Planet Earth segment.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

That's high praise! Thank you.

[@YoungTheFish]

You guys deserve every praise :)

[@baroonono]

agree

[@ak713]

Wow, here I thought once they grew antlers that was it. So they regrow them before mating season, and after they fall off, and the cycle restarts. Really interesting, you learn something new everyday. Keep up the hard work!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

We'll make more, thanks for the compliment.

[@edcrfvtgbyhnujmikolpqazwsx]

I would love to see a time-lapse animation of antler growth from start to finish and then how they fall off.

[@EstivalSolstice]

Man, all of these are so professionally made. It's breathtaking.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

[@RaySpartan315]

You’re breathtaking!

[@YRO.]

@@RaySpartan315 You're breathtaking as well!

[@Phoebus003]

I'm waiting for the day when Deep Look, Space Time, SciShow, TEDEd and Kurzgesagt all upload a video on the same day.

[@jugermaut]

Many people will have heart attacks on that day...

[@moshikon44]

Phoebus003 you forgot cpg grey

[@trevorguerrero7531]

And vsause

[@gardedog3902]

veritasium is another one as well as what others have mentioned .... oh and minutephysics is up with em as well

[@d2nafashionandmedia389]

The Brain Scoop, too.

[@TylerMatthewHarris]

Is it a random shape every time or is it pretty much the same?

[@OsmoZchannel]

it looks very similar to the previous one

[@sammcdonald769]

Tyler Matthew Harris . The bull will grow additional spikes with each season until he literally maxes out and passes his prime. And then they start to diminish with each passing year.

[@TylerMatthewHarris]

Sam McDonald​ would you say the shape has a lot to do with its' genes? From what *****​ said, it sounds like this would be the case.

[@juanresendez7737]

Sam McDonald so they are super sayain?

[@MrTrevers99]

Tyler Matthew Harris Yes, Father and Son antlers are very similar. That's how we can tell they are related to each other while hunting and can predict what they might look like/how big they will grow based on their relatives

[@dm_nimbus]

They don't want me to sell the antlers? I'm just trying to make a buck... 😂

[@user-hz7pk9vb6z]

James Craver Oh deer.....😓

[@rachel._.829]

*chokes on cough drop

[@l5098]

Oh deer

[@mancheaseskrelpher8419]

Just because the animals are big doesn't mean you can't Look Deep™.

[@tungus-]

Guess you could say you can Look Deerp™. OMG that pun is horrible. I'll show myself out.

[@DJ2punto0]

I really want to see this channel explode! The quality of your content from the shots, to the editing and Amy's voice... Everything is on touch! Keep it coming guys please!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you! We'd love any sharing you can do with friends!

[@Jabrils]

wow. incredibly fascinating.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you, sir!

[@naiknaik8812]

Eyyyyyyyyy

[@jeremybersabe9520]

Aaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@maydalynnho2572]

Yessss! I always get excited and happy when you post new videos!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you, Shadow!

[@BlackEagle352]

me too, feels like forever.

[@ZhiggerA]

That's the first time I see someone talks about antlers! Wow!

[@zentouro]

fantastic video as always. i don't think i've ever stopped to consider just how heavy a full head of antlers could be.

[@CosmiaNebula]

When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antlers eat the grass, wait... When we die, our antlers become the squirrel, and the squirrel eat the bones, and so... When our antlers fall off, our antlers become squirrel food, and the squirrel eats the bones, and when squirrel poops, the poop becomes calcium grass, and we eat the calcium grass, and so, we are all connected in the great circle of life.

[@briannarepphighlights6058]

We aren’t deer

[@DrummerJacob]

Are you having problems talking in English? My god.

[@tonythomas8403]

Brianna Repp Highlights 😂💀😭

[@CM-bt7gi]

She's writing in a deers point of view for those of you who were wondering 💁?🌲🐂🌲

[@sierrahatfield5883]

Thank you for the video! You guys put antler regrowth so much more elequantly than i ever could!

[@tre8201]

WOW! I had no idea antlers fell off. This video was awesome. Thank You Deep Look.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You are welcome, Treshaun.

[@kimbratton7054]

This one of the best animal channels I've seen on KZbin!

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Thank you, Kim!

[@user-ld1sn6ur5i]

Deeplook love you... I am a ravenclaw

[@TheLaminatedbrick]

Well, I certainly learnt a lot from that. Never realised how antlers grew (and had a velvet covering while growing), and also didn't realise that they fell off every year. Good video as usual. Thanks for that.

[@UBICARITASESTVERA]

The music selection on these videos is amazing. Wow. Wow. Wow.

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Been a long time fan of deep look. Always itching to watch a new episode but if there aren’t any available, I just rewatch them. Well done deep look team! Pls continue your amazing work

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This is my favorite series on KZbin right now, and whoever the narrator is, pls keep her.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

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So obsessed with this channel! Not enough videos to watch, also I love the voice of the presenter.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks, Ashlee - we make about 20 videos a year. We'll make more!

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Can't wait for the next one, got that bell on to be notified.

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you guys are awesome I have no idea where this channel has been my whole life, keep up the good work

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We promise, we have lots of new videos coming.

[@davidsanders3028]

Should do a video on how pronghorn antelope shed their horns. Would love to see more information brought out on this subject.

[@Cloud_Stratus]

Wow I never knew, thought they were like horns. Such a great channel.

[@meiguess607]

I get so excited and happy whenever you guys post a video!

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Another amazing video. As an Aussie, I had no idea. Sharing this on Facebook.

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Thank you for sharing!

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yet another quality clip that leaves me educated, relaxed and feeling a little warm and fuzzy on the inside :)

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Brilliant work, as always.

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It's cool how you make these videos like it's a professional TV show. I really like this! Will you ever do a bigger episode though? Like a 15 min documentary of a really interesting species. I would love to see that!

[@gabrielaquiros1966]

Hi Pazzo. Thank you for your question. I produced this video, and I've been a producer at KQED for a decade. We've been at this for a while! The web science series we produced before Deep Look was called Science on the Spot. We produced videos that were around 7 minutes long. Check this one out. It's about albino redwoods and was produced by Chris Bauer. Enjoy! ww2.kqed.org/quest/2010/08/26/science-on-the-spot-albino-redwoods-ghosts-of-the-forest/ Cheers, Gabriela

[@redskiez]

Beautiful video as always! Keep it up!

[@danielmcgee3845]

Aw man... I watch all 47 of your awesome videos, I wish you could make more longer videos :(

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Thank you!

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Your camera work and commentary is awesome! Great work and keep making videos. (:

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These videos are always so cool to watch :D

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Amazing video it's really great I learnt something new as usual from this channel . Thank you so much ♥️

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I love your vids Im always excited when theres a new vid

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Omg, i spent almost 2 hours watching all your videos!! Great channel, great narating, and great great videos! Keep up the good works! Just subscribed :)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

[@abelrondon18]

Love what you guys are ding with this channel, keep up the awesome work!

[@saturnnaz]

That's a lot of information I never imagined of, from Reindeers.. Love your videos...

[@ScarletSlvt]

Your voice is so soothing...

[@edgarzeke6389]

truly amazing video guys. keep it up!

[@adastra2238]

immortalH Dank Thanks! :DDD

[@diaspiano]

Nature is so cool! Another great video, keep it up guys, great work!

[@blaireromnilriveral6941]

wow.. this is new to me.. tnx deep look for the amazing videos.

[@anjum311]

Wow this really something I didn't knew before kudos to deep look 👍

[@iReima]

Such good production value in these, keep it up!

[@chunkytofu8697]

Great video as always

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Another great little clip. This channel should be essential viewing for everyone :)

[@_.soymilk]

I know ur almost at 200k subs, but u deserve a million! All ur information is very interesting and video quality is some of the best

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you.

[@steventoerner4035]

very interesting I love learning new things about nature. great video

[@KeystoneScience]

Your videos are my favorite !

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you, so glad to see another science show here.

[@KeystoneScience]

+Deep Look thanks! But really, your quality of content is amazing :D

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Deep Look you're videos are all educating. Don't stop making new ones. Keep it up. 👍

[@ameer.zainal]

Can we have an episode on Dragonflies please?

[@mancheaseskrelpher8419]

Dragonflies are awesome! You could make a dozen videos on them!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Great idea, thanks!

[@ameer.zainal]

Looking forward to the video!

[@benjaminruiza]

I absolutely love the quality and love you put on your videos! Why do they have that specific shape? (The antlers I mean)

[@MonteyCarlo92081]

Never knew that the antlers fell off. Learning something new everyday

[@dejan0384]

is it just me or Amy's voice is so heartwarming

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Awesome. I m absolutely in love with ur videos . Keep it up !

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Thank you!

[@JR127]

Wow that was really interesting. Thanks!

[@dietrichxd96]

Beautiful! Will use this in school!

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Everything the creator has made is perfection 😍🥰

[@tiyas5378]

fantastic as usual :)

[@ajgonzalezs]

Amazing video! Keep up the good work!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks, Andres.

[@lucasreid5459]

this is insane, i replay ur videos more than my favorite song now,

[@muhammedabdul-ghaffar8765]

0:24 That's a big harem, would give Kirito a run for his money.

[@yengthao4258]

Ayha, but pronghorn antelopes can shed their horn during the spring.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

True - they are an exception. They share characteristics of both.

[@dimetrodon2250]

Pronghorns are actually not cervids or bovids, they are the last surviving members of an entirely different family.

[@philliplamoureux9489]

And in the ancient past antlers were a fantastic resource our ancestors used immensely, napping stone tools, digging gardens, carving and more!

[@bari2883]

Thanks Deep look. Educating people about leaving nature where you found it. Im sure most people don't know they are doing harm by taking the antlers. Thanks to deep look we do now.

[@trinhatduong7840]

Ugh ugh loved the video.

[@elliejamesplacio4753]

Deep Look the best. More power and God Bless. (James-Philippines)

[@FireIsTheCIeanser]

Tule elk are like,"This isn't even my final form."

[@TheMisterk91]

Please do also post on how clams, snails grow their shells. Thank you :)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks for the idea!

[@gigglysamentz2021]

These videos are so good :')

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks!

[@Dueilangoisseus]

Another excellent video.

[@jtb8700]

Incredible, as always! Cinematography is beautiful, and great explanation.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks, Tan!

[@thebeaver6751]

I really LOVE your content! :D

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

[@kushalhn515]

Very beautiful explanation.

[@quoiquand2888]

I never knew that! That's so cool! I never would have thought of that, these animals are so cool. Thanks for telling me that! I'm subscribed now

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SO COOL!!! I NEED TO WATCH THIS EVERYDAY!!!

[@juanpablomina1346]

Very interesting, as always.

[@TheCoolsacs]

This channel is so underrated.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

[@creestee08]

i just didnt know this! thanks!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You are welcome, Juan.

[@johncalaway4446]

I like these little segments about nature.

[@gildedbear5355]

Antlers look SO UNCOMFORTABLE when the velvet starts to die.

[@SunYoungMii]

Great videos! Keep up the good work! :)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

[@The-KP]

Super informative!

[@selgesel]

My favorite comfort channel

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks!

[@kenesu4265]

i love Amy's voice... it calms me down

[@departedcloud]

I've been waiting around 2 weeks for this:)))!!!!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you - I hope it was worth the wait.

[@departedcloud]

Yes yes it was

[@tabainsiddiquee7611]

Love the channel!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks, Tabain! Where are you watching from?

[@civilsavant6072]

Go Park Ranger! It's morphin' time!

[@hailstormk9417]

Wow,it would be really cool to find a antler!Adorable animals!

[@raggedyexynos6826]

more informative than the current animal planet or discovery channel

[@Gothead420]

This channel is great. Now that its legal in many US-states: Why not exploring Cannabis at a microscopic level? Theres enough interesting infos about cannabis/hemp to narrate along with it, so it could be interesting. Trichomes just look crazy...

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Cool and beautiful video.

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please,,, a video on jewel wasp and also on parasitoid wasp... your videos are awesome !! and such great picture quality !!

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Look deep look videos, It's so cool!

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Deep look is so good.

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I didn't know grass contained so much calcium. "The older I get the more I realize how little I know." (I'm quoting someone) Einstein I think.

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Me seeing a DL video on my feed: "Wow! A new Deep Look video! Oh.. I've watched this before.. Never mind, I watch it again."