Deer defenses Crossword Clue

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The clue for your today's crossword puzzle is: "Deer defenses" ,published by Newsday.com. Please check our best answer below:

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

Today's clue "Deer defenses" leads us to the answer "ANTLERS." Antlers are bony structures that grow on the heads of most deer species, such as reindeer, elk, and moose. These defenses serve various purposes for the deer, including protection during fights for dominance, attracting mates through displays of strength, and signaling their health and fitness to potential mates.

• Protection: The primary function of antlers is defense. During mating seasons, male deer use their antlers to compete with other males for the opportunity to mate with females, establishing a hierarchy within the deer population.
• Attracting Mates: Antlers also play a significant role in attracting mates. Female deer, known as does, often choose males with larger and more impressive antlers as mates, indicating genetic superiority and strength.
• Health Signaling: The size and condition of a male deer's antlers can also signal its overall health and fitness. Larger, well-formed antlers suggest to potential mates that the deer is healthy and genetically superior, increasing its chances of successful mating.

Therefore, the answer "ANTLERS" perfectly fits the clue "Deer defenses" as antlers are essential physical structures that provide defense, aid in mating rituals, and signal the health and genetic quality of deer in the wild.

 The Crossword clue "Deer defenses" published 2 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
Newsday.com	6 May 2020	ANTLERS
The Washington Post	11 December 2016	ANTLERS