Why The Giraffe Got Its Neck

How and why the giraffe's neck emerged in the first place has been a mystery that generations of biologists have argued over – one that has made us reconsider our understanding of how evolution actually works over and over again.

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Produced by Complexly for PBS Digital Studios

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[Ziorac]

My dad, a biologist, taught me a phrase when I was younger that I will never forget; "in biology, if you don't know why a thing happens/exists, it's for sex/reproduction." And so far, it's held true...

[tec-jones]

PBS Eons is back! And covering my favorite group of mammals! A perfect start to the month.

[youtubecensors]

My grandfather explained it to me this way when I was about four or five: "Well, a giraffe's head is located so far away from its body that it needs such a long neck to connect the two parts together."

[coldcarbon]

'Necks for sex' is something I would never expect in PBS Eons. Welcome back.

[CJ-bumh]

I learned about the Okapi when researching animals who communicate with low frequencies, infrasound. I knew about elephants and whales and was surprised that cousins Okapi and Giraffe did too. I was teaching the physics of high frequency medical ultrasound imaging. The Okapi is such a stunningly beautiful animal. Such a fun video, loved the super honest ending!

[coolhandvader]

I'm dissapointed that the lack of sexual dimorphism in long necks wasn't discussed as part of the critique of the sexual selection hypothesis. I know it isn't a proof either way but it certainly is a factor in these queries and I'm curious what the scientific community says about it.

[diegog]

Sexual selection is seemingly so random at times lol. Anything goes, it doesn't have to be practical, just the animal needs to develop a taste for some trait but they are often bizarre random things. I can understand why paleontologists tend to go for explanations away from sexual selection.

[stephenbesley]

Yes, I have no idea why sexual preference is so often overlooked. Some confer and advantage whilst some don't. You'd have thought if long necks were a feeding preference there would be more species with long necks.

[EdwardsNH]

Love how entertaining and educational these videos are... and the "credits scene"... hilarious!

[xXMrZentusXx]

I definitely agree that sexual selection probably played a huge role in the development of the elongated neck but what else could a great factor is evasion of predators. Lions (and other feline predators throughout time) are the apex predators of the giraffes habitat and they especially target the neck and hind legs. A taller body structure with an elongated neck that puts the head far away from danger while also making it possible to use the head as a weapon are a great advantage against most predators. Furthermore, the long legs of the giraffe give the advantage of a very powerful kick.

We see today that a whole pack of lions struggles a lot to take down a single giraffe. They can tank quite a lot and defend themselves quite well. So the fighting power they used for sexual selection probably played a role in fighting of predators as well imo.

[anahithovhannisyan]

Loved this episode! I remember learning about the giraffe neck theories, but they left this one out in class 😂

[typhonxyz]

I can't explain how much Eons has helped me understand evolution and the thought process behind it. As someone who grew up within the church, access to this information is incredibly hidden for some reason and I think that's a shame. This stuff is fascinating and I don't understand how knowing more about this would shake people's faith to the point that they stop believing God exists. Thank you for expanding my knowledge!

[pymarathon]

Totally ignored the real question of "Why are their legs so long"?

Watch a Giraffe drink and you'll NEVER be asking why their necks are "so long". If anything the better question is how they ever survived with necks so short!

[maxplanck]

Much love Callie, it was impossible not laughing at the script with these giraffe and their story ✌️♥🇬🇧

[CarolinaVecc]

I learn so much from you guys! Welcome back, Eons ♡ I hope this new season will be plentiful, I need lots of new episodes 😅

[martoneduard]

I am so happy to see you guys back! Now back to watching the video ❤️😀

[codyramseur]

It could be a slight combination of the two. For example there could be stretches of time in the past when elephant populations were high and maybe they occasionally wiped out all of the low-lying shrubs and which could put evolutionary pressure on the giraffes. Now i’m seeing that you pretty much address this towards the end of the video lol

[erichtomanek]

Fascinating video.
You can always create a giraffe video on all the different subspecies (?) of giraffes and their differing coat patterns and how these differences may help in their respective ranges.
Then you can wear your Giraffe Shirt!

[Llerme]

Was craving an Eons episode! Glad to have you guys back!

[cosmoplakat]

Those neck fights can be vicious, even deadly, especially when the losing individual doesn't want to give up!