Giraffidae Skull or Giraffe Male & Juvenile skull replicas are musuem quality polyurethane resin castings. Made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw)
The Giraffidae 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.
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.
Appearance is a reliable guide to the sex or age of a giraffe: the ossicones of females and young are thin and display tufts of hair on top, whereas those of adult males tend to be bald and knobbed on top.
A lump, which is more prominent in males, emerges in the middle of the skull. Males develop calcium deposits that form bumps on their skulls as they age. Multiple sinuses lighten a giraffe’s skull. As males age, their skulls become heavier and more club-like, helping them become more dominant in combat.
The occipital condyles at the bottom of the skull allow the animal to tip its head over 90 degrees and grab food on the branches directly above them with the tongue.
With eyes located on the sides of the head, the Giraffidae or Giraffe has a broad visual field from its great height. Compared to other ungulates, the Giraffe’s vision is more binocular and the eyes are larger with a greater retinal surface area.
Giraffes may see in color and their senses of hearing and smell are sharp. The ears are movable and the nostrils are slit-shaped, possibly to withstand blowing sand.
The Giraffidae or Giraffe’s tongue is about 18 in. long. It is black, perhaps to protect against sunburn, and can grasp foliage and delicately pick off leaves. The upper lip is flexible and hairy to protect against sharp prickles. The upper jaw has a hard palate instead of front teeth. The molars and premolars are wide with low crowns on the surface.
