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Long Neck Giraffe: Giraffes are amazing animals, and one of their most unique features is their incredibly long necks. These magnificent creatures are found in the wild throughout much of Africa, and are instantly recognizable by their striking appearance. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the English name for these animals and explore some of the interesting facts about them.
The English Name for Giraffes
The English name for the giraffe is simply "giraffe." The word "giraffe" is believed to have originated from the Arabic word "zarafa," which means "fast-walker." This is likely due to the way that giraffes move, which is a mix of elegant strides and awkward bounds. Some other languages also use similar root words for their own words for giraffes.
The Anatomy of a Giraffe's Neck
One of the most fascinating things about giraffes is their incredibly long necks. These necks can measure up to six feet in length, which is longer than the average human is tall! But how do they work?
Contrary to popular belief, giraffes do not have exceptionally long neck bones. Instead, they have a similar number of cervical vertebrae (neck bones) as most other mammals, including humans. The difference lies in the length of each individual bone, which can be up to 10 inches long in some cases.
Additionally, giraffes have a unique circulatory system that helps regulate blood flow to their brain. Giraffes have a particularly large heart, which pumps blood up their long necks to their brains. To prevent too much blood from rushing to their brains at once, giraffes have special valves and vessels in their necks that regulate blood flow. This special circulatory system is necessary for giraffes to avoid fainting or suffering a stroke each time they bend down to drink or eat from the ground.
The Purpose of a Giraffe's Neck
So, what is the purpose of a giraffe's long neck? There are a few different theories that scientists have proposed over the years.
Some believe that giraffes evolved long necks as a way to reach higher up into trees to feed. By being able to reach the very tops of trees, giraffes could access hard-to-reach leaves and branches that other animals could not. This would have been advantageous during times of drought or food scarcity.
Others believe that the neck may have evolved as a form of sexual selection. Male giraffes with longer necks may have been more attractive to females, as their necks were a visual sign of health and vigor. Over time, this preference for longer necks could have led to the evolution of longer-necked giraffes throughout the species.
Giraffes in Culture
Giraffes have captured the hearts and imaginations of people all around the world. They have been depicted in art and literature for centuries, and have become a popular subject for children's toys and cartoons.
One famous depiction of a giraffe is in the classic children's book "Giraffes Can't Dance," by Giles Andreae. The book tells the story of a young giraffe who is ridiculed for his clumsy dancing. However, with the help of a wise old cricket, the giraffe learns to embrace his own unique style and becomes the star of the jungle dance.
Overall, the long neck of the giraffe is just one of the many unique and fascinating characteristics of this majestic animal. Whether you're admiring them in the wild or through a children's book, giraffes are sure to capture your imagination and leave you in awe.