Species Spotlight: Giraffe

A giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

Questions and Answers

What do giraffes eat?
Giraffes are browsers with a diverse diet, consisting of up to 93 different plant species, but the leaves and shoots from acacia trees form the bulk of a giraffe’s diet in most areas.

What are giraffe horns made of?
Their "horns" are actually knobs above the eyes covered with skin and hair to protect the head from injury. Males use the horns in combat.

What is unusual about a giraffe’s jugular blood vessels?
Remarkably elastic blood vessels and uniquely adapted valves help balance any sudden buildup of blood when giraffes’ heads are raised, lowered, or swung quickly to prevent fainting.

 

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