The Giraffe (Martes pennanti)
| Animal Resources Wild Animals |
They are by far the largest land animals in the world, standing about 14-18 feet high. Males are traditionally larger than females, with male neck size averaging around six feet in length.
Giraffes are native to Sub-Saharan states in Africa, with coat patterns used to differentiate among types of giraffe sub-species. Currently nine such sub-species of Giraffes recognized.
From a very early age we learn that they are a prime example of the theory of evolution and natural selection. In Origin of Species, Darwin pointed out how natural selection led the Giraffe to evolve with a longer neck than other animals in order to reach to the tops of trees for the leaves, their primary source of food. Since there were few other animals competing for that particular food, the giraffes who evolved with the longer necks survied and flourished.
In addition to height, giraffes also display traits of strength and speed. Fighting off predators, such as the lion, requires they run up to 30 mph in short bursts and deliver some potent kicks.
Little need for sleep or water are two little know but interesting facts about giraffes. They get most of the moisture they need from the leaves they eat. Some people hypothesize that this giraffe behavior is defensive in origin. Sticking their neck down at watering holes moves giraffes closer to the ground and consequently closer to ground predators.
There are a couple or theories on why they need so little sleep, maybe two hours per day. It could be, like the water theory, that they are most vunerable to attack when asleep, so they evolved into relatively sleepless animals. They also normally sleep standing up since laying down and getting back up is difficult for such a large animal.
Another theory of sleepless animals deals with size. Generally larger animals are considered to need less sleep. More research is needed to provide a more definitve answer to this interesting question.
© 2006. Patricia A. Michaels.