The biological family Giraffidae contains just two members, the Giraffe and the Okapi. Both are confined to sub-saharan Africa: the Giraffe to the open savannas, and the Okapi to the dense rainforest of the Congo. The two species look very different on first sight, but share a number of common features, including a long, dark-coloured tongue, lobed canine teeth, and horns covered in skin.
The closest relatives of the Giraffidae are the other members of the suborder Ruminantia, which include cattle, goats, sheep, and antelope.
Fossil records indicate that they have first appeared in the late stages of the Oligocene.
Last updated: 10-12-2005 05:48:39
