Originally Posted by
nick_bleuer76
Whitetail deer have 70 chromosomes, 35 from the male, and 35 from the female. So, no, the female cannot pass on more chromosomes, that it possess, which would be 42 chromosomes (60% of 70), that would go against the law laws of nature, read a book. I do think he has poor genetics, bases on his age. I don't cast my judgment solely based on his lame left antler, but more so on his small right. I don't think he will make it another year, he is getting very old, and is gonna get his fat butt pushed around come the rut, so why not take him out now. You've been served.
Actually they get a minimum of 50% of their antler characteristics from their mother, in actuality, most researchers believe it's closer to 60% from the mother. Regardless of the exact percent, it commonly excepted that the genes from the mother are more important concerning antler growth. And this does not go against the laws of nature because of the probability of crossing over during meiosis. He's just olddddddddd...sure he might not have the best genetics, but he may have been a 150" 10pt at his peak.