Why do rhinos have horns?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Defense and dominance displays
Defense and dominance displays ✓ — Correct! Multi-purpose weapon! Rhino horns (made of keratin, not bone—like fingernails): (1) Defense—protection against predators (tigers, though adults rarely threatened). (2) Dominance—sparring between males for territory/mates. (3) Vegetation—pushing aside brush, breaking branches. (4) Digging—accessing minerals, water. Mothers defend calves fiercely with horns. Poaching crisis—horns valued in illegal trade (no medicinal properties!). Can grow back if cut. White rhinos: longer front horn (up to 5ft)!
Temperature regulation organ — Wrong. Horns don't regulate temperature—ears and skin do that. Horns are defensive weapons and dominance tools made of keratin.
Echolocation like sonar — Wrong. Rhinos don't echolocate. They use poor eyesight but excellent smell/hearing. Horns are physical weapons for defense and dominance.
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