Form and Function
Giraffes are known as the tallest mammal on the
planet, ranging from 14 to 17 feet tall and usually weigh anywhere
from 1800 to 2600 pounds. However this does not make them the
largest animal on the planet; for more information on this check
out the
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus). Generally male
giraffes are quite a bit larger than females. Data shows that
females are ⅔ to ½ the body mass of most males. Being this large requires
certain body features in order to survive in their African
environment. The most distinguishable feature of these animals are their elongated necks, which they use to reach leaves off of the
trees. Their necks can be as tall as what we would consider a
very tall man, around 6ft. 7 in. Giraffe’s also have
hooves around 30 centimeters in diameter. These massive hooves
allow the animal to kick predators or outrun others. The
Rhodesian giraffe can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour for
sustained periods of time with help of their significantly long
lets. While running, they propel both front feet forward and then
both back feet as opposed to when their walking; they walk like a
camel, both left feet at the same time and then both right feet
(Carter et al., 2013).
These animals are characterized by their decorative spots all
along their body and legs. Their pattern is
comprised of large,
sienna brown spots, which darken as the animal ages, on a cream
background. The spots are described as ‘ragged leaf-shaped’. As
the animal ages the spots darken in a radial fashion outward
from the center of the spot turning a coal black color (Berry et
al., 2012).
Rhodesian giraffes also have horn-like structures
(ossicones) and a tail. The ossicones can be up to 13.3centimeters in length, whereas the tail can be 80-100
centimeters long. At the end of their tail they have along tuft
of fur like the thick, short, stiff mane they have running along
the top of their necks.
One of the most interesting adaptations the giraffe has is
its ability to pump blood throughout its entire body, most
importantly through their long necks to their brains. The
giraffe does this by utilizing an enlarged heart. The giraffes
heart can be up to 22 pounds! Because of this enlarged heart the
giraffe has twice the blood pressure of most other large
mammals. Because of this, the giraffe also uses a
pressure regulating system so they are able to lower their heads
without blood rushing to their heads (Weird Facts).
Other adaptations for defense include incredible vision and
vocal chords for communication. Some of the noises the
species makes include snorting, roaring bellows, loud coughs,
moaning, snoring, hissing, and flutelike sounds.