Spirit Magazine - June 2013 - (Page 47)

The Numbers The Numbers A giraffe has 7 PHOTOGRAPHY BY RF PRODUCTIONS vertebrae in its neck, just like us. This is no tall tale. When it comes to cervical vertebrae, or the bones that make up the neck, mammals are created equal. “No matter their size, the number of vertebrae is constant,” says Justin Adams, a paleontologist at Monash University, in Australia. “The only exceptions are sloths, which can have as many as 10, and manatees, which have six instead of seven.” It’s a Darwinian thing—sort of. “It is hypothesized that the number of neck vertebrae is an example of a ‘constraint’ in evolution,” adds Adams. While the vertebra count is reliably consistent, size can vary greatly. Each vertebra in a giraffe’s neck measures about 10 inches in length— which explains why you’ll never beat our spotted friend in a photo finish. JUNE 2013 SPIRIT 47

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - June 2013

Spirit Magazine - June 2013
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
The Numbers
Wise Guide
Business
Eat Like A Chef
Promotional Series: Spirit of Music City
...the Greatest Sports Tale Ever Told
Your Adventure in Oakland
Promotional Series: Spirit of Charleston
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Route Map
Rapid Rewards Partners
Flight Service
The "if" List

Spirit Magazine - June 2013