Bovidae are described as having horns with a bony core and keratin sheath that are never shed. Which option correctly reflects this statement?

Bovidae are described as having horns with a bony core and keratin sheath that are never shed. Which option correctly reflects this statement?

• A. They have horns with a bony core and keratin sheath that are never shed.
• B. They shed their horns annually.
• C. They lack any horns.
• D. They have shells.

Answer: (A)

Bovidae horns are permanent structures built with a bony core that is continuous with the skull and a keratin sheath that covers that core. The bone and the sheath grow together, and because the entire horn remains attached to the skull, it is not shed and renewed each year. This is different from antlers in cervids, which are shed and regrown annually. So the statement correctly describes the typical Bovidae horn anatomy and shedding pattern. Some individuals may be polled (hornless) due to genetics, but that doesn’t change how horns that are present are structured or maintained.

Bovidae horns are permanent structures built with a bony core that is continuous with the skull and a keratin sheath that covers that core. The bone and the sheath grow together, and because the entire horn remains attached to the skull, it is not shed and renewed each year. This is different from antlers in cervids, which are shed and regrown annually. So the statement correctly describes the typical Bovidae horn anatomy and shedding pattern. Some individuals may be polled (hornless) due to genetics, but that doesn’t change how horns that are present are structured or maintained.