Why do some animals have horns or antlers?

Horns and antlers are often used by animals for defense, territorial disputes, or attracting mates. Antlers, typically found in males of species like deer and elk, are used in combat with other males during the breeding season to establish dominance and win mating opportunities. Horns, which are permanent and made of keratin, are used for both defense and for securing resources. They are found in species like bighorn sheep and rhinoceroses. These features are evolutionary traits that aid in survival and reproduction.