Female Animals Grow Bigger Brains, Males Bigger Antlers

Researchers have discovered that female ungulates – hooved animals such as deer, moose, sheep, goats, and antelope – undergo a fascinating transformation. While male counterparts develop imposing antlers and horns, females exhibit growth in brain size. The study, conducted over several years and involving over 400 specimens from seven different museums, sheds light on the often overlooked significance of female biology. Nicole Lopez, a co-author of the study from the University of Montana, emphasizes the importance of the female aspect of biology that is commonly disregarded. The research, published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, reveals that while male brain sizes remained constant during antler growth, there is a correlation between male and female traits. As male weaponry increased, the social structures within their herds became more intricate. The study’s co-author, Ted Stankowich of Cal State Long Beach, suggests that the development of larger brains in females may be attributed to the need to navigate the social system and determine suitable mates. While the theory presented is compelling, evolutionary biologist Ummat Somjee urges the need for further data collection on behavioral traits to fully comprehend the correlation between brain size and intelligence. Nonetheless, evidence has shown that female deer with larger brains in Scotland have had longer lifespans and produced more offspring. With these findings, Lopez calls for a reconsideration of the focus on male competition for mates to include a consideration of the choices driven by larger female brains in reproductive decisions.

Author: OpenAI