Which Has More Bones in Their Neck: Humans or Giraffes?

Humans and giraffes have the same number of bones in their necks — seven. Giraffes simply have larger and longer vertebrae. In fact, the structure of the human neck is almost identical to that of a giraffe's neck, just a lot shorter.

More skeletal tidbits::

• Although human babies are born with over 300 bones, many fuse together as the child grows, leaving the average adult with only 206 bones.


• Over 95% of animals do not have a backbone.


• The smallest bone in the human body is the stirrup bone, one of the three tiny ear bones. It measures approximately 1/10 of an inch long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do humans and giraffes have the same number of neck bones?

Yes, both humans and giraffes have the same number of neck bones. Despite the giraffe's long neck, they both have seven cervical vertebrae. The key difference lies in the size of the vertebrae; giraffes have elongated neck bones, which can be up to 10 inches long each.

Why do giraffes have such long necks if they have the same number of bones as humans?

Giraffes have long necks due to evolutionary adaptations that allow them to reach high foliage for feeding and to spot predators from a distance. Their neck vertebrae are greatly elongated compared to those of humans, providing the necessary length while maintaining a manageable number of joints for mobility and flexibility.

How does the neck structure of a giraffe support such a long neck?

The giraffe's neck structure is supported by strong muscles, a specialized and elongated nuchal ligament, and correspondingly large and robust vertebrae. These adaptations distribute the weight and stress along the neck, enabling giraffes to hold their heads up high for extended periods without fatigue.

Are there any other animals with the same number of neck bones as humans and giraffes?

Most mammals, including whales, dogs, and mice, share the same number of cervical vertebrae as humans and giraffes, which is seven. This is a remarkable example of evolutionary consistency across a diverse range of species with vastly different neck lengths and lifestyles.

Can the vertebrae in a giraffe's neck vary in size or number?

While the number of cervical vertebrae in giraffes is consistently seven, there can be slight variations in the size of each vertebra. However, these differences are generally minor, and the overall structure remains functionally the same across the species to support their unique anatomy and lifestyle.

What evolutionary advantage does the giraffe's long neck provide?

The giraffe's long neck provides several evolutionary advantages. It allows them to browse on leaves and twigs high up in trees, which are out of reach for other herbivores, reducing competition for food. Additionally, their height offers a vantage point to spot predators, and it plays a role in thermal regulation and social interactions, such as necking during male combat.