HOW LONG IS A GIRAFFE'S TONGUE?
HOW LONG IS A GIRAFFE'S TONGUE?
Have you ever wondered how far a giraffe's tongue can stretch? Giraffes have incredibly long tongues – up to 45 centimeters in length! This is a great adaptation for a creature that spends its days eating leaves from the tops of trees.
Giraffes have a special adaptation in their tongues that makes them so long and able to reach high branches. The tongue is covered in a thick, dark fur that helps protect it from the sharp thorns of acacia trees. The fur also helps the tongue grip the leaves, so the giraffe can pluck them off the branches. Giraffes use their tongues to clean their eyes and ears, and also to groom their fur. It's no wonder that the giraffe's tongue is so long; it needs to be able to reach all those hard-to-reach places!
Giraffes rely on their long tongues to survive. Without this adaptation, they wouldn't be able to reach the leaves that make up the majority of their diet. So if you ever see a giraffe, take a moment to appreciate its remarkable tongue. It's a unique feature that helps the giraffe thrive in the African savanna.