Why do giraffes have such long necks?

Giraffes live in environments where leaves on tall trees can be a valuable food source. Over many generations, individuals with slightly longer necks may have had advantages in feeding and mating, so those traits became more common. Males also use their necks in combat, a behavior called “necking,” which can influence reproductive success. Despite the length, giraffes have only seven cervical vertebrae, the same number as humans, though theirs are much larger and elongated. Fossil evidence shows giraffe ancestors gradually developed longer necks over millions of years.