There are multiple theories that explain why some animals have evolved and adapted in certain ways. One such animal adaptation is having a longer than average neck, like a giraffe. There are many different types of animals with long necks all over the world, in this article we’ll look at some of them.
But first, let’s learn a little bit about why these animals have evolved in this way.
Why do some animals have long necks?
The most popular theory is that of survival. For example, animals with long necks, like giraffes, live in the same habitat with lots of other animals that snack on plants and foliage for survival. To survive, giraffes evolved necks longer than other foragers to reach the tops of trees. This eating approach helps minimize competition for food.
Another theory is that of natural selection. Some scientists believe such long necks play a pivotal role in attracting and fighting for mates. We can go on and on with theories, but that isn’t important for now.
Let’s take a sneak-peak at these incredible animals with long necks.
#Gerenuks
Also known as Waller’s gazelle, the gerenuk is the Somali language that means “giraffe-necked.” This is an incredibly long-necked gazelle native to the open scrublands and lowland areas of the Horn of Africa.
Gerenuks are herbivores munching on shoots, thorny bushes, fruits, and flowers. They use their 0.8 feet long necks and powerful hind limbs to reach plants growing as high as 6-8 feet. With modified lumbar vertebrae and special wedge-shaped hooves, gerenuks can stand unsupported and browse even taller bushes.
Being able to reach much higher than other gazelles and antelopes means the gerenuks’ diet consists of succulent plants rich in moisture. For that reason, they don’t require grass or water to survive. This means they can comfortably thrive in scrublands and deserts.
#Eastern Snake-necked Turtles
Scientific Name: Chelodina longicollis
Neck Length: Approx. 0.6 ft. (0.18 m)
The eastern snake-necked turtles are classified as side-necked turtles. They’re carnivorous animals feeding on small fishes, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and warms. These turtles can be found in freshwater environments of south-eastern Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
True to their name, these aquatic animals have the longest neck of any group of turtles existing today. In fact, their neck is approximately 60% longer than the entire length of their carapace (shell). Females tend to possess longer necks than males.
Due to their long necks, these turtles cannot retract their necks directly into their shell. Instead, they twist their necks and pleat their heads sideways into their carapace. The eastern snake-necked turtles use their long necks to get close enough to their prey before snapping it up.
#Llama
The llama is a domesticated herbivore member of the South American camelid family. You may find llama herds in Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina. They’ve also been exported to other countries across the world.
These slender-bodied animals are the largest among the four lamoid species, averaging about 5.8 feet high. Additionally, these gregarious animals have got long necks that can grow up to 4.3 feet or 1.3 meters. They feed on grass and other plants.
The llama’s long legs aren’t practical in reaching the ground to graze. As a result, it has evolved long necks to enable them to feed comfortably without having to kneel to eat. What’s more, having to bend down to browse is suicidal, because you never know where the next predator will come from!
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