GiraffesGiraffes

Julio MendozaJulio Mendoza

Per. 2Per. 2

May 23, 2008May 23, 2008

Basic InformationBasic Information

The giraffe is Africa's tallest mammal, The giraffe is Africa's tallest mammal, reaching full heights of more than 5m. The reaching full heights of more than 5m. The attractive marking is made up of irregular attractive marking is made up of irregular patches, in varying shades of brown, on a patches, in varying shades of brown, on a cream or buff background. cream or buff background.

Males are larger and darker than females, Males are larger and darker than females, have thicker horns and have a lump on the have thicker horns and have a lump on the forehead. The horn tips are bald in males forehead. The horn tips are bald in males and old females while hairy in younger and old females while hairy in younger females. females.

AdaptationsAdaptations Camouflaged coatCamouflaged coat - Patches of different sizes and colors - Patches of different sizes and colors

help hide the giraffe in the African help hide the giraffe in the African savannasavanna..Fringed tailFringed tail - A fringe at the end of the tail keeps flies and - A fringe at the end of the tail keeps flies and other pests away.other pests away.Hind legsHind legs - The hind legs are shorter than the front legs. - The hind legs are shorter than the front legs.Hoofed feetHoofed feet - A tough hoof protects each foot. - A tough hoof protects each foot.Short hornsShort horns - Males have knobbed, hairless horns, females - Males have knobbed, hairless horns, females have thinner, tufted horns.have thinner, tufted horns.Long neckLong neck - It is used to reach leaves in tall acacia trees. - It is used to reach leaves in tall acacia trees.Long front legsLong front legs - Unlike many animals, the giraffe's front - Unlike many animals, the giraffe's front legs are longer than the hind legs. These long front legs legs are longer than the hind legs. These long front legs make it easier to reach tall leaves.make it easier to reach tall leaves.Long tongueLong tongue - Helps strip the leaves off trees. - Helps strip the leaves off trees.ManeMane - Long, tough hairs that run along the giraffe's neck. - Long, tough hairs that run along the giraffe's neck.Tough lipsTough lips - Help protect against the spiny thorns in acacia - Help protect against the spiny thorns in acacia trees.trees.