Antlers are bony structures that grow on the heads of members of the Cervidae family, which includes animals like deer, moose, and elk. Unlike horns, which are permanent and made of keratin, antlers are shed and regrown annually. They typically grow in a specific season and are used primarily by males during mating displays and fights for dominance. Antlers are composed of a dense, spongy bone covered by a layer of skin called velvet while they are growing. Once fully developed, the velvet is shed, revealing the hard bone underneath. The size and shape of antlers can vary significantly among species and are influenced by factors such as age, genetics, and nutrition.