Final answer:
Both male and female reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) have antlers, which is unique within the deer family. Antlers serve various purposes such as foraging, social interactions, and protection for this species.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the deer family, both the male and female have antlers in the species reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), also known as caribou in North America. This characteristic is unique to this species within the deer family. While male moose grow large antlers mainly for mating competition and territory defense, only male moose have antlers, and they are notably absent in females. The reindeer species not only use antlers for social interactions but also for foraging in the snow and protection. The role of antlers in reindeer life is significant, as both sexes carry them, although the female's antlers are typically smaller than the male's. Reindeer are also notable for being one of the few cervid species with a circumpolar distribution, meaning they can be found throughout the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.