Giraffes are large African hoofed mammals that are the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant on Earth. It is believed that there are eight or nine species of giraffes alive today. They are nevertheless classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Its closest relative is the okapi. Giraffes inhabit savannahs and open woodlands, though the Angolan giraffe can be found in desert environments.
Giraffes are known for their peculiar appearance; an elongated neck up to 2,4 m. This helped them to access the leaves at the top of trees, occupying an ecological niche similar to sauropods. Its coat has dark blotches or patches, ranging from orange, chestnut, brown, or nearly black, surrounded by light hair. This is used for camouflage against predators like lions or leopards.
Like the ostrich, giraffes were also present in Asia, but have become extinct due to climate changes.
History[]
Jurassic Park[]
The fixed look of six Apatosaurus at the visitors of Jurassic Park, with their heads up the canopy of the palm trees, reminds Alan Grant of giraffes of a disproportionate size.
The Lost World[]
Richard Levine mentions the evolution of the giraffe when he explains the Red Queen hypothesis. He explains how the acacias evolved to protect themselves against antelopes and giraffes; while the antelope feasts on the leaves of the tree for a limited time, while the giraffe developed cardiac muscles and a very thick fascia around the neck. For the Apatosaurus that he observes on the High Hide, Levine theorises that the use of its long neck may be for balance with its long tail used for defence.
Games[]
Jurassic Park: Builder[]
The giraffe is mentioned in the Evo 3 fact of Macrauchenia and Aepycamelus, and the Evo 1 fact of Elasmosaurus.
Jurassic World: The Game[]
The giraffe is mentioned in the Evo 1 fact of Indricoceros, the Evo 4 fact of Therizinosaurus, and the Evo 2 fact of Arambourgiania and Tyrannosaurus rex.
