India, Nov. 3 -- Giraffes' long legs, not just their necks, play a crucial role in their survival. A study reveals that these legs help reduce the energy cost of pumping blood, saving significant energy.

This adaptation allows giraffes to thrive in harsh environments, highlighting the evolutionary advantage of their unique anatomy.

If you've ever wondered why the giraffe has such a long neck, the answer seems clear: it lets them reach succulent leaves atop tall acacia trees in Africa.

Only giraffes have direct access to those leaves, while smaller mammals must compete with one another near the ground. This exclusive food source appears to allow the giraffe to breed throughout the year and to survive droughts better than shorter species...