Giraffa or Giraffe Male & Juvenile skull replicas are musuem quality polyurethane resin castings. Made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw)
The Giraffe is a large African hoofed mammal belonging to the genus Giraffa. It is the tallest living animal and the largest ruminant on Earth.
Both sexes have prominent horn-like structures called ossicones, which can reach 5.3 in. They are formed from ossified cartilage, covered in skin and fused to the skull at the parietal bones. Being vascularised, the ossicones may have a role in thermoregulation, and are used in combat between males.
A Giraffa or Giraffe’s front and back legs are about the same length. The radius and ulna of the front legs are articulated by the carpus, which, while structurally equivalent to the human wrist, functions as a knee.
It appears that a suspensory ligament allows the lanky legs to support the animal’s great weight. The hooves of large male giraffes reach 12.2 in × 9.1 in. in diameter. The fetlock of the leg is low to the ground, allowing the hoof to better support the animal’s weight. Giraffes lack dewclaws and interdigital glands. While the pelvis is relatively short, the ilium has stretched out crests.
A Giraffa or Giraffe has only two gaits: walking and galloping. Walking is done by moving the legs on one side of the body, then doing the same on the other side. When galloping, the hind legs move around the front legs before the latter move forward, and the tail will curl up.
The movements of the head and neck provide balance and control momentum while galloping.The Giraffe can reach a sprint speed of up to 37 mph., and can sustain 31 mph. for several kilometres.
A Giraffe rests by lying with its body on top of its folded legs.To lie down, the animal kneels on its front legs and then lowers the rest of its body. To get back up, it first gets on its front knees and positions its backside on top of its hindlegs. It then pulls up the backside upwards and the front legs stand straight up again. At each stage, the animal swings its head for balance.
Studies in captivity found the Giraffa or Giraffe sleeps intermittently around 4.6 hours per day, mostly at night. It usually sleeps lying down; however, standing sleeps have been recorded, particularly in older individuals.
Intermittent short “deep sleep” phases while lying are characterised by the Giraffe bending its neck backwards and resting its head on the hip or thigh, a position believed to indicate paradoxical sleep.
