1. Giraffes Julio Mendoza Per. 2 May 23, 2008

2. Basic Information The giraffe is Africa's tallest mammal, reaching full heights of more than 5m. The attractive marking is made up of irregular patches, in varying shades of brown, on a cream or buff background. The giraffe is Africa's tallest mammal, reaching full heights of more than 5m. The attractive marking is made up of irregular patches, in varying shades of brown, on a cream or buff background. Males are larger and darker than females, have thicker horns and have a lump on the forehead. The horn tips are bald in males and old females while hairy in younger females. Males are larger and darker than females, have thicker horns and have a lump on the forehead. The horn tips are bald in males and old females while hairy in younger females.

3. Adaptations Camouflaged coat - Patches of different sizes and colors help hide the giraffe in the African savanna. Fringed tail - A fringe at the end of the tail keeps flies and other pests away. Hind legs - The hind legs are shorter than the front legs. Hoofed feet - A tough hoof protects each foot. Short horns - Males have knobbed, hairless horns, females have thinner, tufted horns. Long neck - It is used to reach leaves in tall acacia trees. Long front legs - Unlike many animals, the giraffe's front legs are longer than the hind legs. These long front legs make it easier to reach tall leaves. Long tongue - Helps strip the leaves off trees. Mane - Long, tough hairs that run along the giraffe's neck. Tough lips - Help protect against the spiny thorns in acacia trees. Camouflaged coat - Patches of different sizes and colors help hide the giraffe in the African savanna. Fringed tail - A fringe at the end of the tail keeps flies and other pests away. Hind legs - The hind legs are shorter than the front legs. Hoofed feet - A tough hoof protects each foot. Short horns - Males have knobbed, hairless horns, females have thinner, tufted horns. Long neck - It is used to reach leaves in tall acacia trees. Long front legs - Unlike many animals, the giraffe's front legs are longer than the hind legs. These long front legs make it easier to reach tall leaves. Long tongue - Helps strip the leaves off trees. Mane - Long, tough hairs that run along the giraffe's neck. Tough lips - Help protect against the spiny thorns in acacia trees.savanna