How is a stag defined in terms of deer?

A stag is defined as a castrated male deer that has reached maturity. In the context of deer, this term is typically used to describe an adult male that has been altered, which may have implications for its behavior and how it interacts within its social environment.

The castration of a male deer can lead to reduced aggression and changes in physical development, such as a smaller antler size compared to its intact counterparts. This distinction is important in managing deer populations, especially in hunting and farming practices, where stag deer may be preferred for certain types of meat production due to their altered growth patterns.

The other definitions do not align with the term "stag": a male under two years would be referred to as a buck or yearling, a female deer is categorized as a doe, and a young fawn pertains to very young deer, which are not yet sexually mature. Each of these classifications helps in understanding the biologically relevant characteristics and social structures of deer.