Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Schoen: Animal Adaptation for a Specific Environment

Reticulated Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardis reticulate
Location: 42o03’54.51”N, 71o35’04.25”W

Reticulated Giraffes have several adaptations specific to their environment, the African Savanna. Most notably, these giraffes have extremely long necks which help them reach leaves in tall acacia trees; these leaves serve as their primary diet. At the same time, their coat consists of patches of different sizes and colors that help hide them in their environment by matching the general coloration of the Savanna backdrop. These giraffes’ front legs are longer than their hind legs, making it much easier for them to reach tall leaves, while they also have very tough lips that help protect against the spiny thorns in acacia trees.

Bactrian Camel
Camelus bactrianus
Location: 42o03’54.51”N, 71o35’04.25”W

Bactrian Camels have been able to adapt to live in the extremely hot and arid deserts of Central and Eastern Asia. Since food is very hard to come by, they have two humps rather than one, storing large amounts of fat that can be converted into water and energy when sustenance is not readily available. This method of storing food and water as well as their strong, durable hooves help them survive long journeys through shifting sands or rough, rocky terrain.

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