Giraffe
Girraffa camelopardalis
Levels of Classifacation
Domain Eukarya- All members have a Nucleus and can be Multicellular or single celled
Kingdom Animalia- This kingdom includes every animal. All animals in this kingdom are heterotrophs. Their cells don't have a cell wall seperateing them from plant cells.Phylum Chordata- All members of the Phylum Chordata have a segmented body. Have three germ layers. They all have a complete digestive system and have bilateral symmetry.
Sub Phylum Vertebrata- All members have a bony endoskeleton and well developed body cavity. All have visceral systems.
Class Mammalia- This class includes 500 species and only contains mammals. All members of this class have hair at some point in their life.
Order Artiodactyla- This order contains the most diverse,large and terrestrial mammals alive. They are globally distributed and live in large groups.
Family Giraddidae- This family only includes two living species. Most animals in this family live in central Africa. They weigh from 250 kg to 1500 kg.
Genus Giraffa- All have long and sturdy legs,front legs longer then back legs.Necks contain 7 elongated vertebrae. Their tails measure from about 76-101 cm in length.
Species Giraffa Camelopardalis- Native to Africa and and worlds tallest mammal. Found in Savannas, grasslands and open woodlands.
General Description
Average Height- 4.7 to 5.7 m
Color- Both male and Female giraffes have a spotted coat yellow to black in color
Natural Range- Native to Africa. Usually found south of the Sahara to eastern transvaal.
Habitat- Found in Savannas, grasslands and open woodlands.
Diet- Giraffes are herbivores. They eat plant foods leaves and fruits grains and wood
Natural Predators- lions, hyenas and leopards
Giraffes in large group
Length
Physical Adaptions
Behavioral Adaptions
References
Burton, M., & Burton, R. (2002). GIRAFFE. In International wildlife encyclopedia v.1 (AAR-BAR) (3rd ed., Vol. 7, pp. 975-977). New York, NY: Marshall Cavendish.
Maisano, S. 2006. "Giraffa camelopardalis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed March 12, 2015 at http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Giraffa_camelopardalis/