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. Remember that …
Giraffe Anatomy | Neck, Hide and Horns of a Giraffe - Animal Corner
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, including humans.
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 long neck, giraffe …
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.
How Strong Is a Giraffe Neck? Anatomy & Function
Aug 20, 2025 · The giraffe, a towering figure of the savanna, is immediately recognizable by its exceptionally long neck. This distinctive feature prompts questions about its strength and the …
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 browse …
Why Do Giraffes Have Long Necks? Lamarckism vs Darwinism Explained
Jul 20, 2025 · Giraffe necks consist of seven elongated cervical vertebrae and specialized muscles and ligaments. While giraffes can arch and flex their necks for feeding or “necking” fights, their bones …
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 stretched their …
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 around.
Giraffe's unique anatomy sets it apart in the animal kingdom
Like okapis and humans, giraffes have seven neck vertebrae, but ball-and-socket connections, similar to human shoulders, allow them to rub their noses on their lower backs.