▶ Your Answer :
In the reading passage, there is ample support for the author's
claim that functions of deer antlers can be fully explained by three theories.
On the other hand, the lecturer brings up several points that contradicts this
argument.
First, the professor contends that it is unlikely that antlers are used
for sexual selection. This is because that male
deer make voices and pose body postures to attract their mates. Also, a recent study shows that female deer prefer deer with
small antlers. This casts doubt on the reading passage's suggestion that
antlers play a major role in finding mates.
Next, the professor insists that deer use scent for marking their
territory not visual marks. They scatter strong secretions on the trees to warn to other males. In addition, rubbing their
antler against trees is to remove their soft skin, not
create marks. This refutes the reading passage's claim that deer make
marking to indicate their areas.
Finally, the professor argues that it is doubtful that antlers allow
deer to defend themselves against predators. Deer have risks of attacking from
wolves in all year. However, their antlers shed during the winter and they cannot protect themselves in this period although
they were weaker. Also, the female deer usually raise their calves, but
they do not have antlers. This counters the reading passage's assertion that
antlers are effective shields for deer.
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