Science, Space and Technology News 2024
A Penn State study suggests that giraffes’ long necks may have evolved due to the high nutritional needs of females, who require deep foraging into trees for food. While the “necks-for-sex” hypothesis posits that male competition drove neck length evolution, findings show females have proportionally longer necks. This research, published in Mammalian Biology, highlights the importance of conserving giraffe habitats to support their unique ecological needs.
“The necks-for-sex hypothesis predicted that males would have longer necks than females,” said Doug Cavener, Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Distinguished Chair in Evolutionary Genetics and professor of biology at Penn State and lead author of the study. “And technically they do have longer necks, but everything about males is longer; they are 30% to 40% bigger than females.
In adult giraffes, the researchers found that females have proportionally longer necks and trunks — or the main section of their body, which does not include legs or the neck and head. Adult males, on the other hand, have longer forelegs and wider necks. This pattern was the same in both captive and wild giraffes.
“Interestingly, giraffes are one of few animals whose height we measure to the top of the head — like humans — rather than to their withers—the highest part of the back, like in horses and other livestock,” Cavener said. “The female has a proportionally longer axial skeleton — a longer neck and trunk — and are more sloped in appearance, while the males are more vertical.”
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
I'm Glad Doctor Who Just Debunked A Massive Theory About The MasterCustom image of Sacha Dhawan as the Master with Jinkx Monsoon&39;s Maestro and John Simm&39;s Master in the background
Read more »
Former NIH Director admits lab-leak theory of COVID origin is not conspiracy theoryThe leading public health official during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic admitted that the science is not settled on the origins of the coronavirus.
Read more »
Avril Lavigne Weighs in on Popular Clone Conspiracy Theory in New InterviewAvril Lavigne is once again addressing one of the most popular conspiracy theories surrounding her persona.
Read more »
Scientists prove 'quantum theory' that could lead to ultrafast magnetic computingPeter is a degree-qualified engineer and experienced freelance journalist, specializing in science, technology and culture. He writes for a variety of publications, including the BBC, Computer Weekly, IT Pro, the Guardian and the Independent. He has worked as a technology journalist for over ten years.
Read more »
Peter Pan Horror Movie Is The Perfect Chance To Confirm 1 Popular TheoryPeter Pan and Captain Hook in Disney&39;s 1953 animated movie
Read more »
1 Popular Dumbledore Theory Completely Misses The Point Of Harry Potter's Deathly Hallows EndingAngel Shaw is a Core Features Senior Writer with Screen Rant who knows far too much about the worlds of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
Read more »