Giraffe Adaptions

Giraffes have amazing adaptions that help them with their lifestyle in the wild.

Because giraffes grow to a very tall height, it gives them access to a level of foliage beyond reach of all other large browsing animals all except possibly, the elephant.

Along with their height, giraffes have an incredible array of adaptations.

For example, their skin colouring provides excellent camouflage, as it has many different patches of variable size and colour.

Giraffes skin is very thick, so it provides ample protection and insulation. Also, the giraffe's long eyelids keep out ants and sense thorns on the branches of the trees from which they browse. The valves in veins of the neck control a huge rush of blood to the head when leaning over; this prevents unconsciousness. There is also a network of capillaries in the brain called the 'wonder-net'. It acts rather like a shock absorber and is another part of the system that prevents unconsciousness. (Also see 'Anatomy' for more facts about the giraffes neck).

A giraffe's tongue is over 18 inches (46 cm) long, and the roof of the mouth is grooved to easily strip leaves off branches.

Since giraffes are extremely efficient at processing nutrients and liquids from food, they can survive without water for long periods of time.

Giraffes ruminate day or night, with periods of sleep in between.

Giraffes also rest with their eyes open, standing or lying for three to five minutes at a time. Throughout the night, a giraffe may deeply sleep for five to 10 minutes lying down, yet they rarely sleep more than 20 minutes total per day.


 
 
 
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