If a giraffe's neck only has seven vertebrae, how is it so flexible?
Certain characteristics of giraffe necks give them a flexibility rivaling any Slinky. The first feature is the way that the vertebrae in the neck, called the cervical vertebrae, are joined together. …
Why do giraffe have such a long neck?
The giraffe's long neck serves multiple purposes: it allows them to reach high foliage for food, engage in dominance displays (necking), and keep an eye out for predators. To support this …
The Long-Neck Truth About Giraffe Bones - WorldAtlas
Jun 5, 2025 · Giraffe necks are ‘larger than life.' Their necks have seven vertebrae, the same number as a human neck, but each bone exceeds 25 cm in length.
Why Do Giraffes Have Such a Long Neck? - Biology Insights
Jul 25, 2025 · The giraffe, an emblem of the African savanna, stands out with its towering stature and extraordinarily elongated neck. This remarkable anatomical feature, stretching up to 8 feet …
Giraffe Anatomy | Neck, Hide and Horns of a Giraffe - Animal …
How Long is a Giraffe’s Neck? A giraffe’s neck can measure over 1.5 metres (5 feet) in length, however, it contains only seven vertebrae the same number as in most other mammals, …
How many bones are in a giraffe's neck and other facts - BBC
Despite its long appearance, the neck of a giraffe is actually made up of just seven bones! These bones are known as cervical vertebrae, which are found in the neck of almost every mammal …
Why Giraffes Have Long Necks: Evolution in Action
Aug 7, 2025 · For many years, the dominant explanation for the giraffe’s long neck came from the early 19th-century French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. According to Lamarck, giraffes …
Why Do Giraffes Have Long Necks? - Encyclopedia Britannica
The long neck of a giraffe (genus Giraffa) is a classic example of adaptation, which is the process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment. Giraffes use their long necks to …
New Discovery Challenges Everything We Thought We Knew About Giraffe …
Jun 6, 2024 · While a recent theory suggests regulating body temperature may have played a role, the main giraffe neck-elongation contenders are competition over food or sex. Today, …
Giraffe Neck Vertebrae Explained - simplyecologist.com
Learn how giraffe necks defy gravity with just seven vertebrae, and discover the surprising adaptations that make their extraordinary anatomy possible.