- (3) In the case of the giraffe we have, without doubt, a very heavy load upon the fore-legs, though no weighings are at hand to define the ratio; but as far as possible this disproportionate load would seem to be relieved, by help of a downward as well as backward thrust, through the sloping back, to the unusually low hind-quarters. The dorsal spines of the vertebrae are very high and strong, and the whole girder-system very perfectly formed. The elevated, rather than protruding position of the head lessens the anterior bending-moment as far as possible; but it leads to a strong compressional stress transmitted almost directly downwards through the neck: in correlation with which we observe that the bodies of the cervical vertebrae are exceptionally large and strong and steadily increase in size and strength from the head downwards.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER XVI ON FORM AND MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY
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