Final answer:
Male moose battles involving antler butting are examples of territorial and courtship behaviors which serve to attract mates and defend territory without engaging in full combat.
Step-by-step explanation:
When male moose engage in their annual battles, butting heads with their oversized antlers, they are exhibiting territorial and courtship behaviors. These behaviors serve multiple purposes including the display of strength to attract mates and to defend territory.
Display behaviors are often utilized by animals as a way of asserting dominance without the need for actual combat, which can lead to serious injury or death. For instance, male gorillas may show aggression by pounding their chests rather than attacking another male directly. This display conserves energy and minimizes the risk involved in physical confrontations. Similarly, the robust antlers of a moose play a crucial role in these behaviors, acting as a symbol of the male's vitality and ability to prevail in contests over mating rights or territory.