British Columbia CORE Hunting Practice Exam

What is a key feature of bovids?

1. They are known for their long antlers

2. They typically have a bony structure growing from their skulls

3. They are a type of ungulates without hooves

4. They have a lifecycle similar to canines

The correct answer is: They typically have a bony structure growing from their skulls

Bovids, which include animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and antelopes, are characterized by a unique feature: they possess a bony structure known as horns that grow from their skulls. Unlike antlers, which are typically shed and regrown annually and made of bone covered in velvet, the horns of bovids are not shed. They are not branched and have a core made of bone, with a sheath of keratin covering them. This bony structure is a defining characteristic of this group of animals, making choice B accurate and insightful regarding the biology of bovids. Other options do not accurately depict the characteristics or features of bovids. For instance, while some creatures in the animal kingdom have long antlers, this trait specifically does not apply to bovids, who instead have horns. Additionally, bovids are indeed ungulates, but they possess hooves, which invalidates the option regarding the absence of hooves. Lastly, the lifecycle of bovids is quite different from that of canines, which have distinct reproductive behaviors and social structures.