Uncommon Descent Serving The Intelligent Design Community

When it comes to anything that can be called “evolution” …

Share
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Flipboard
Print
Email

File:Hydropotes inermis stuffed.JPG
Chinese water deer, w. fangs
In “Archaeologists discover saber-toothed vegetarian” (Washington Post, March 24, 2011), Randolph E. Schmid reports,

The research team notes that large saber-shaped canine teeth are unexpected in a plant-eating animal. They say the enormous teeth may have been for self-defense or for battling for territory or females.

But a friend notes that wholly herbivorous musk deer and Chinese water deer – especially males – have such teeth today,, instead of antlers. Accounts differ as to how they are used – scraping vegetation, attracting attention, or fights over territory. But the “vampire deer” is with us yet.

 

Comments
Gorillas also have large teeth and they're primarily plant eaters as well.Barb
June 5, 2012
June
06
Jun
5
05
2012
08:59 AM
8
08
59
AM
PDT

Leave a Reply