Glorious Giraffes: A Divine Reflection of Standing Out in Faith

Giraffes: Animals That Stand Out in a Crowd

Giraffes are truly remarkable creatures that stand out in any crowd. Whether you see them at the zoo or in their natural habitat of Central Africa, their towering presence is undeniable. In fact, giraffes are the second largest land animals alive today, with only the African elephant surpassing them in size. But what truly captivates observers is their long neck. How did the giraffe get such an extraordinary feature?

The Design of the Giraffe's Neck

The giraffe is a mammal, and many aspects of its anatomy are similar to other mammals. Like most mammals, a giraffe has seven neck bones. Have you ever wondered why it has precisely seven bones? If the giraffe had fewer neck bones, it would reduce the weight and require less energy for survival. However, this would result in a loss of flexibility and increase the risk of injury if the giraffe received a blow to the head or neck.

On the other hand, if the giraffe had more neck bones, it would require greater energy use and muscle mass to support its head. This would shift the giraffe's center of gravity forward when its head is extended, causing its hind legs to come off the ground. The design of seven neck bones strikes the perfect balance between flexibility and stability, making it an excellent design.

The Giraffe's Unique Circulatory System

With its head held high in the air, a giraffe's heart must be capable of delivering sufficient oxygen-rich blood three meters (10 feet) up to its brain. This would be challenging when the giraffe bends down to drink water due to high blood pressure. However, the giraffe has unique design features that prevent its blood pressure from becoming dangerously high.

The reinforced artery walls, by-pass and antipooling valves, a network of small blood vessels known as the rete mirabile, and pressure-sensing signals work together to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain at just the right pressure. Some might argue that these adaptations are merely a result of the giraffe adapting to high gravitational pressures in its cardiovascular system. However, when we consider the intricate design of these features, it becomes clear that the giraffe is truly unique.

Gravity-Suits and Blood Circulation

The giraffe's circulatory system is fascinating for another reason. The giraffe's heart is likely the most powerful among animals because it needs to pump blood up its long neck to the brain at double the normal pressure. To prevent blood pooling in its legs and profuse bleeding if cut, the giraffe has extremely tough skin and internal arteries and veins in its legs. NASA scientists have even studied this combination of skin and inner fascia to develop gravity-suits for astronauts.

Additionally, the giraffe's lungs play a crucial role in supplying oxygen. Its lungs are eight times larger than those of humans, and its respiratory rate is about one-third that of humans. This slower breathing rate is necessary to exchange a large volume of air without causing windburn to the giraffe's long trachea. When the giraffe takes a fresh breath, it cannot completely expel the oxygen-depleted previous breath. The giraffe's lung volume ensures that this "bad air" remains a small percentage of the total, solving a physics problem unique to this animal.

The Birth of a Giraffe

The birth of a newborn giraffe further demonstrates an intelligent design. Unlike many other mammals, a giraffe cannot comfortably squat to the ground or lie down during birth. To avoid potential predator attacks, the mother gives birth standing up while her baby drops into life from a height of 1.5 meters (five feet). This presents a challenge since the head is disproportionately large compared to the rest of the body.

Yet, the giraffe has a solution. The rear hips are smaller than the front shoulders, and the neck is just long enough to allow the head to pass through the birth canal resting on the rear hips. As the hind feet exit first, they break the fall of the rest of the body, while the head is supported and cushioned by the rear hips. The pliable neck can bend sharply around the front shoulders, ensuring a perfect exit. This combination of features would be impossible in any other configuration or with a different length of neck.

The Giraffe's Role in its Environment

Ecologically, the giraffe is perfectly suited to its environment. It serves as a natural tree trimmer, preventing fast-growing shade trees from overshadowing the ground and killing the grass that other savanna animals rely on for food. In addition, with its ability to see above tall grass and observe predator movements, the giraffe acts as a sentinel. After warning other animals with tail swishes, it bravely walks out of harm's way.

The giraffe's height, tough skin layers, deadly rear hoof kick, and long, rapid stride make it an undesirable prey for carnivores. It is clear that the giraffe's unique attributes are purposefully designed to fulfill its role within the ecosystem.

Why This Matters

Understanding the intricate design and extraordinary features of giraffes points us toward an intelligent Creator. The complexity and interdependence of various structures within these animals suggest a purposeful design rather than random evolutionary processes. By recognizing this design, we gain a deeper appreciation for God's handiwork in creating diverse and remarkable creatures like the giraffe.

Think About It

Consider how each aspect of a giraffe's anatomy contributes to its overall design and functionality. Reflect on how these features reflect intentionality and purpose rather than chance or accidental evolution. Take time to marvel at God's creativity and wisdom in designing such incredible animals.