Illustration compares males of the ancient giraffoid species butting heads (foreground) with modern giraffe males fighting (background). Illustration: Wang Yu and Guo Xiaocong
Why do giraffes have long necks? It could have been to fight for mates
- Scientists have puzzled over how the mammals got their necks – it’s commonly believed evolution was driven by competition for food
- But an analysis of fossils from 17 million years ago suggests early ancestor’s fierce headbutting was ‘likely the primary driving force’
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Illustration compares males of the ancient giraffoid species butting heads (foreground) with modern giraffe males fighting (background). Illustration: Wang Yu and Guo Xiaocong
