ABSTRACT
The white-tailed deer exhibits considerable variation in anatomy and physiology across its range. Factors such as latitude, climate, and habitat inuence morphological characteristics, as well as physiological adaptations that allow white-tailed deer to thrive across North and South America. In all cases, these adaptations have evolved over thousands of years in response to local selective pressures to enhance survival and productivity of the species. Detailed knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology is critical to the management and research of white-tailed deer. Most behavioral aspects (e.g., reproduction, foraging, predator avoidance, social interactions) of white-tailed deer are physiologically driven, and a thorough understanding of these processes requires intimate knowledge of their
Physical Characteristics ........................................................................................................................... 44 Pelage .................................................................................................................................................. 44 Fetal Development ............................................................................................................................. 45 Neonates and Fawns............................................................................................................................ 46 Subadults and Adults .......................................................................................................................... 47
Senescence ............................................................................................................................................... 50 Exocrine Glands ....................................................................................................................................... 50 Reproductive Physiology ..........................................................................................................................51
