Masai Giraffes

the masai giraffe

• Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi
• Domain: Eukarya
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chortad

the diet of the masai giraffe includes twigs, seasonal fruit, flowers, and acacia leaves.

the main predators of the masai giraffe are lions and hyenas.

relationships

• Giraffes have been known to contract helminth parasites from unclean water sources or lack of water.
• In this scenario, the giraffe is the host and the helminth is the parasite making this a parasitic relationship.

this is a food chain for the masai giraffe.

after adding other interconnecting organisms, we have a food web.

this is an energy pyramid that includes trophic levels. as you can see, giraffes are primary consumers because they eat producers. each level increased subtracts 10% energy.

adaptations

one of the giraffe's most famous adaptations is its long neck. this helps the giraffe reach the immensely tall branches of acacia trees.

the other famous adaptation of the giraffe is its very long tongue. this tongue is used to reach leaves on taller trees.

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evolution

• imagine there is a collapse of the majority of the ozone layer causing sunlight to become more intense. let's pretend that as a result of this, trees grow shorter than before because they don't need to be as close to the sun. because of this, giraffes with shorter necks survive because they are more suited to the new conditions. this is an example of survival of the fittest.

this pedigree shows the inheritance of different horn types through three generations.

diseases

• Neema, a beloved giraffe in the Houston zoo, passed away in May due to an intestinal disease called internal torsion. Unfortunately, this is an incurable disease in giraffes.

cell structure and processes

regulation

• Giraffes don't pant or sweat, unlike most mammals. They allow their body temperature to fluctuate according to their external temperature. This helps them conserve water and stay cool

cell specialization

• Giraffes have a few unique specialized cells that help them maintain homeostasis.

stomach: giraffes have four stomachs to aid in digesting the massive amount of grass they eat.

muscle tissues: these tissues store excess water and regulate body temperature.

nervous system: giraffes have enhanced hearing and vision which help them to defend themselves against predators.

bibliography

• Works Cited "Beloved Masai Giraffe, Neema, Dies at Houston Zoo." Click2Houston. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2015. Bradford, Alina. "Giraffe Facts & Photos." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 28 Oct. 2014. Web. 25 May 2015. "Masai Giraffe - Facts, Diet & Habitat Information." Animal Corner. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2015. "Masai Giraffe." Giraffe Facts and Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2015. "Masai Giraffe." Masai Giraffe. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2015.