G. camelopardalis Skull or Giraffe Male & Juvenile skull replicas are musuem quality polyurethane resin castings. Made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw)

The G. camelopardalis or Giraffe is a large African hoofed mammal belonging to the genus Giraffa. It is the tallest living animal and the largest ruminant on Earth.

Fully grown giraffes stand 14 to 19 ft. tall, with males taller than females. The average weight is 2,628 lb. for an adult male and 1,825 lb. for an adult female.

Despite its long neck and legs, its body is relatively short. The skin is mostly gray, or tan, and can reach a thickness 0.79 in. The 35 to 39 in. long tail ends in a long, dark tuft of hair and is used as a defense against insects.

The coat has dark blotches or patches, which can be orange, chestnut, brown, or nearly black, surrounded by light hair, usually white or cream colored.

Male G. camelopardalis or Giraffes become darker as they grow old. The coat pattern has been claimed to serve as camouflage in the light and shade patterns of savannah woodlands.

When standing among trees and bushes, they are hard to see at even a few metres distance. However, adult Giraffes move about to gain the best view of an approaching predator, relying on their size and ability to defend themselves rather than on camouflage, which may be more important for calves.

Each Giraffe has a unique coat pattern. Calves inherit some coat pattern traits from their mothers, and variation in some spot traits is correlated with calf survival.

The skin under the blotches may regulate the animal’s body temperature, being sites for complex blood vessel systems and large sweat glands.

The G. camelopardalis or Giraffe fur may give the animal chemical defense, as its parasite repellents give it a characteristic scent.

At least 11 main aromatic chemicals are in the fur, although indole and 3-methylindole are responsible for most of the smell. Because males have a stronger odor than females, it may also have a sexual function.

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