Giraffe Neck

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the giraffe is its long neck. With the aid of its long neck, a giraffe is able to reach leaves high up in the acacia tree. 

Surprisingly, even with its long neck, the giraffe has the same number of vertebrae in its neck as humans do. Giraffes have seven cervical vertebrae, but each one can be about 10 inches long.

The giraffe has a special adaptation in its neck to regulate pressure, which prevents excessive blood flow to its brain when it lowers its head.