How Are Giraffes Adapted to Their Habitats?
The giraffe is adapted to its habitat by being able to reach high food with its long neck and tall body. This gives it an advantage during times of food scarcity and drought when the only sustenance is up high on trees.
Another adaptation of the giraffe is its eyesight. Keen eyesight along with the giraffe’s long neck and height give it an advantage when it comes to keeping ahead of predators. It can see for long distances and spot lions slinking through the grasslands.
However, the giraffe’s long neck does make it difficult to drink from ponds and puddles. In order for it to drink, it must splay its legs far enough apart for its head to reach the ground. The giraffe has adapted for this difficulty by drinking from dew and getting much of its water from the food it eats. It can also go for long periods of time without water. Furthermore, when it does bend down to drink, the neck has a special collection of valves that keeps the blood rush from knocking the giraffe unconscious.
Despite the giraffe’s ungainly appearance, its long legs help it to flee from predators. It can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour.
