Giraffe

 

Linnean classification: Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Giraffidae, Giraffa, Giraffa camelopardalis

 

Regulator because it is a warm blooded animal and is able to maintain optimum temperature for its body to function.

 

Migration because giraffes while not territorial, have home ranges. They usually stay in a particular area and do not move in great distances.

 

Consumer because it is a heterotroph and cannot make food for itself. As it is not an autotroph, it has to rely upon other organisms as a source of nutrients.

 

Herbivore because this animal primarily feeds on shrubs, grass and fruit and are also known to chew off bark.

 

Specialist because giraffes rely upon a particular type of tree as a food source. Needing tall succulent or thick “fat plants”, giraffes cannot survive unless supplemented with trees with those characteristics.

 

Niche: Giraffes usually inhabit biomes of the savanna, grasslands and woodlands. This animal prefer open areas in order for easier detection of predators. Giraffes play a role on the growth of the trees they feed on as they greatly affect their growth. Predators of this animal include the lion, leopard and hyena who despite the giraffes size, attacks these animals successfully.