In the quiet stillness of a forest where light gently filters through the branches, a stag stands commanding attention, its impressive antlers a testament to both beauty and biology. Antlers are not merely ornamental structures; they are a fascinating evolutionary feature that showcases the interplay of survival, competition, and reproduction in the animal kingdom. 

Every year, many deer species grow new antlers, a process that begins with a rush of hormones as daylight extends and temperatures rise. This spectacular display of growth can extend up to a full inch per day, fueled by a mix of nutrients and a soft, velvety layer of skin that protects the developing bone beneath. Once fully developed, the antlers harden, and this powerful appendage transforms into a tool used for signaling and combat. 

In the complex dance of courtship, antlers serve as nature's billboard, conveying vital information about the stag’s health and genetic fitness to potential mates. The larger and more robust the antlers, the more attractive the male appears, increasing his chances of mating. This leads to a curious form of competition: males engage in vigorous clashes, locking horns in a display of strength that often resembles an elegant ballet, each movement calculated to assert dominance without causing serious harm. Remarkably, only a small percentage of these battles escalate into severe injuries, underscoring a unique aspect of animal behavior where the stakes are high, yet survival often prevails.

Observing these majestic creatures, one can appreciate not just their physical beauty, but the innate intelligence woven into their behavior. In fact, approximately 90% of male deer will grow antlers each year, embodying the ongoing cycle of renewal in nature. As the seasons change, these antlers will eventually shed, readying the stag for another phase of life and growth, a cycle both relentless and remarkably poetic.