Why Is a Giraffe’s Neck So Long?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why is a giraffe’s neck so long?

The Big Idea

A giraffe's neck is so long because it helps the giraffe reach leaves high up in trees! Few other animals can eat up there, so the giraffe does not have to share. That means plenty of food just for giraffes.

Reach Up

Step one: reach the leaves. A giraffe's long neck lets it reach leaves high up in trees. Few other animals can eat up there.

Seven Bones

Step two: count the bones. Giraffes have the same number of neck bones as you do, seven. But each giraffe bone is huge, as long as a grown-up's forearm.

Big Heart

Step three: pump the blood. A giraffe's big heart has to pump blood a long way up to its head. Males also swing their necks like clubs when they compete.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The long neck stretches far above the ground. It is made of just seven neck bones. A big, strong heart pumps blood up to the head. A giraffe can be over five meters tall.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Tall male giraffes can be over five meters tall, taller than a double-decker bus. Giraffes sleep for only a short time each day, often just minutes at a time. Their tongues are long and dark. Watch giraffes from far away, and never try to feed them.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, use string and tape to mark a spot five meters high on a wall or fence. Never climb to do it. Stand beside the mark. How many of you would stack up to the giraffe's head?

Outro

Giraffes have long necks to reach treetop leaves. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!