© 2003 BAS .....Science Art-Birds

Title: Thirst Quencher .....
Species: Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Artist: BAS (for further information, click on the artist's name)
Image size: 12" x 16"
Media: oil on canvas
Date: 2003
UK

The artist notes: "A very long neck is advantageous when seeking foliage beyond the reach of other herbivores, but it places demands on the giraffe's physiology. To get blood all the way to its brain, the giraffe requires an extremely large heart that pumps under the highest pressure in the animal kingdom. This creates a real problem: In normal circumstances, such a creature would face having it's brain blown out by the force of its blood every time it lowered its head to drink. The giraffe's unique design counters this with a simple valve below the brain that restricts the blood flow wheneverthe head is lowered, thus enabling the giraffe to quench its thirst and enjoy the long drink!"

Birds have special neck adaptations, too: Their vertebrae--except for those in the neck--are fused to keep the bird stiff during flight. The resulting flexible necks help the birds maniplulate prey and other items.