The Descent of Man

the points directed forwards and a little upwards.
The combatants then gradually approach
each other, and each endeavours to get
the upturned points under the body of the other;
if one succeeds in doing this, he suddenly
springs up, throwing up his head at the same
time, and can thus wound or perhaps even
transfix his antagonist. Both animals always
kneel down, so as to guard as far as possible
against this manoeuvre. It has been recorded
that one of these antelopes has used his horn
with effect even against a lion; yet from being
forced to place his head between the forelegs in
order to bring the points of the horns forward,
he would generally be under a great disadvantage
when attacked by any other animal. It is,
therefore, not probable that the horns have
been modified into their present great length
and peculiar position, as a protection against
beasts of prey. We can however see that, as
soon as some ancient male progenitor of the
Oryx acquired moderately long horns, directed