
A giraffe's neck can grow up to 2.4 meters (8 feet) long, yet it contains only seven neck bones, just like a human. The difference is that each vertebra is much larger and can measure over 25 centimeters (10 inches) long.
Their long necks help them reach leaves high in trees that other animals cannot access. Giraffes also use their necks in battles called "necking," where males swing their heads to compete for mates. Their unique anatomy makes them the tallest land animals on Earth.
© Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute