Antelope vs. Deer: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 19, 2023
Antelopes are bovids native mainly to Africa and parts of Asia, whereas deer belong to the cervidae family and are found worldwide.
Key Differences
Antelopes and deer are distinct groups of herbivorous mammals. Antelopes primarily belong to the family Bovidae, while deer belong to the family Cervidae.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
In terms of distribution, antelopes are mostly native to Africa and parts of Asia. On the other hand, deer species are distributed across various parts of the world including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Antelopes typically have permanent, unbranched horns that can be found in both males and females. In contrast, deer possess antlers which are usually branched and shed annually, and are predominantly found in males.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
The body size and weight of antelopes and deer can vary significantly among species. However, deer tend to have a more robust body when compared to the slender build of most antelope species.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
While both antelopes and deer are herbivores, their preferred diets can differ. Antelopes primarily graze on grass, while deer are both browsers and grazers, feeding on a mixture of leaves, shoots, and grasses.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Antelope and Deer Definitions
Antelope
A mammal with permanent and unbranched horns.
Unlike deer, antelopes do not shed their horns annually.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Deer
Herbivorous, feeding on a mix of leaves, grasses, and shoots.
Deer often venture to gardens, munching on plants and flowers.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Antelope
Often considered agile and graceful animals.
The antelope leaped gracefully over the obstacle.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Deer
Belongs to the family Cervidae and is found across many regions worldwide.
Deer are native to all continents except Australia and Antarctica.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Antelope
Any of several bovid species characterized by slender bodies and long legs.
Antelopes have adapted to a wide range of habitats.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Deer
Typically characterized by a slender and long-legged body.
The deer bounded away with a graceful stride.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Antelope
Generally known to inhabit open plains and grasslands.
Antelopes thrive in savannas where they graze regularly.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Deer
A ruminant mammal with branched antlers that are shed annually.
The white-tailed deer is common in North America.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Antelope
A herbivorous mammal native to Africa and parts of Asia.
The gazelle is a type of antelope known for its speed.
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Oct 10, 2023
Deer
Known for its timid and gentle nature.
The deer in the forest was startled by the sudden noise.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Antelope
Any of various swift-running ruminant mammals of the family Bovidae, native to Africa and Eurasia and having unbranched horns.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Deer
Any of various hoofed ruminant mammals of the family Cervidae, characteristically having deciduous antlers borne chiefly by the males. The deer family includes the white-tailed deer, elk, moose, and caribou.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Deer
A ruminant mammal with antlers and hooves of the family Cervidae, or one of several similar animals from related families of the order Artiodactyla.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Deer
(in particular) One of the smaller animals of this family, distinguished from a moose or elk
I wrecked my car after a deer ran across the road.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Antelope
Any of several African mammals of the family Bovidae distinguished by hollow horns, which, unlike deer, they do not shed.
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Oct 07, 2023
Deer
Any animal, especially a quadrupedal mammal as opposed to a bird, fish, etc.
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Oct 07, 2023
Antelope
A fierce legendary creature said to live on the banks of the Euphrates, having long serrated horns and being hard to catch.
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Oct 07, 2023
Deer
Any animal; especially, a wild animal.
Mice and rats, and such small deer.
The camel, that great deer.
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Oct 07, 2023
Antelope
One of a group of ruminant quadrupeds, intermediate between the deer and the goat. The horns are usually annulated, or ringed. There are many species in Africa and Asia.
The antelope and wolf both fierce and fell.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Deer
A ruminant of the genus Cervus, of many species, and of related genera of the family Cervidæ. The males, and in some species the females, have solid antlers, often much branched, which are shed annually. Their flesh, for which they are hunted, is called venison.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Antelope
Graceful Old World ruminant with long legs and horns directed upward and backward; includes gazelles; springboks; impalas; addax; gerenuks; blackbucks; dik-diks
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
What family does the antelope belong to?
Antelopes belong to the Bovidae family.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Do antelopes have antlers or horns?
Antelopes have permanent, unbranched horns.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is it only the male deer that have antlers?
Primarily, yes. However, in some species, like the caribou, females also have antlers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Are the horns of antelopes shed annually?
No, antelopes have permanent horns that they do not shed.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Do both male and female antelopes have horns?
Yes, in many antelope species, both males and females have horns.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Are antelopes and deer related?
While both are ungulates, they belong to different families.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Where are antelopes primarily found?
Antelopes are mainly native to Africa and parts of Asia.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Which is faster, an antelope or a deer?
Speed varies by species, but many antelopes, like the cheetah-chasing springbok, are exceptionally fast.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Are deer found globally?
Yes, deer are found worldwide, except for Australia and Antarctica.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
What distinguishes a deer's antlers?
Deer have branched antlers that are shed annually.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
What do deer generally eat?
Deer have a mixed diet including leaves, shoots, and grasses.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
How can I visually differentiate between an antelope and a deer?
One quick way is by their headgear: antelopes have unbranched horns, while deer have branched antlers.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Can both antelopes and deer be domesticated?
While they can be tamed to a certain extent, neither is typically considered fully domesticated like cattle or sheep.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Are there any deer species in Africa?
Yes, there is the Barbary stag in North Africa.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Do all deer shed their antlers?
Most male deer shed their antlers annually, but this can vary by species.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
How many species of antelopes are there?
There are approximately 90 species of antelopes.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Are there antelopes outside of Africa and Asia?
Primarily, antelopes are native to Africa and parts of Asia, but some introduced populations exist elsewhere.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Do all antelopes look similar?
No, there's a diverse range of antelope species varying in size, color, and shape.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
