Okapi And Giraffe Similarities Essay, Research Paper

What adaptation do both the Okapi and Giraffe have that enables them to rip/pull food from strong branches?

The long, sticky tongue that both the Okapi and Giraffe have allows them to pull shoots and leaves from strong and hardy branches with ease. The animals can also reach their eyes and ear with their tongue so they can easily rid those areas of bugs and parasites. The tongue also enables the Giraffe and Okapi to easily keep their young clean and healthy.

What adaptation do both the Okapi and Giraffe have that allows them to gain nutrients in hard to reach places?

Both the Giraffe and Okapi have incredibly flexible necks that allow them to awkwardly turn their heads to reach food. They can easily twist around trees or large branches to reach the leaves, or any food, that they desire.

What substance do the Giraffe and Okapi share that allows them to eat and digest “harsh” foods?

Both the Giraffes and Okapi have thick and sticky saliva that allows them to eat and digest thorny, sharp branches with ease. The thorns and sharp edges are covered by the saliva and can’t prick or scratch the tongue, lining of the throat, or stomach.

What ability do both the Okapi and the Giraffe obtain after birth which enables them to survive with more ease?

After a Giraffe or Okapi young has been born, it can stand firmly on it’s feet in 15 minuets. This allows them to be able to run if predators are nearby and it also allows them to get food from their mother quickly and efficiently. If the newborn does not gain the necessary nutrients, they will become weak and be easy prey for predators.

What do mother Giraffes and Okapis have that keeps their baby on track when traveling?

Both the Okapi and Giraffe have distinct markings (each individual animal has it’s very own unique set) that catch a young’s eye and basically says “Follow Me!” This enables the herd to travel more quickly and efficiently since they don’t have to keep such a close eye on the young.

What adaptation ensures that a Giraffe and Okapi baby will be fully developed, able to gain food, and resist predators?

Both Giraffe and Okapi females have a gestation period of 15 months, which allows the young to fully develop in the womb before entering the world. If a baby entered the world weak, it wouldn’t be able to get nutrients or resist predator attack. Also, since both species are so complex, each young requires more than a year to completely develop all it’s parts.

Bibliography

Mammal Dictionary

www.giraffeplanet.com