Oct 12, 2020 · That element is their curious set of horns. Giraffe horns are called ossicones, and there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye. This post dives into the fascinating facts and stories that uncover why these ossicones are one of a kind. Here is everything you need to know about giraffe horns. Do Giraffes Have Horns?

Ossicones of a giraffe Ossicones of a male okapi. Ossicones are columnar or conical skin-covered bone structures on the heads of giraffes, male okapi, and some of their extinct relatives.Ossicones are distinguished from the superficially similar structures of horns and antlers by their unique development and a permanent covering of skin and fur.

Oct 13, 2023 · The giraffe’s horns/ossicones are a protrusion of its skull, and it differs in appearance and size from one giraffe species to the other. In females, the ossicones are relatively thin and hairy, but in male giraffes, the ossicones are thick, and the tops are bald due to …

That being said, sometimes the giraffe will use the horns for defense. If an enemy comes to close the giraffe can choose to swing its head really fast that sometimes these little horns will help to knock out the other opponent. The giraffe might look really calm and relaxed most of the time but if you can get really aggressive when it has to ...

Giraffe possess distinctive bony protrusions on their heads called ossicones, not horns. These ossicones are covered in furred skin, and both male and female giraffe have them.

Apr 28, 2025 · Fossil evidence suggests that the ancestors of giraffes had antlers, much like deer. Antlers are made of bone and are shed and regrown each year, a vastly different structure from ossicones. Over millions of years, the giraffe lineage underwent significant changes, leading to the development of the long neck and the unique ossicone structures.

Mar 4, 2025 · The Purpose of Ossicones: More Than Just Giraffe “Horns” The primary purpose of ossicones, the horn-like structures on the heads of giraffes, is multifaceted, serving crucial roles in both intraspecific competition and protection.Unlike true horns or antlers, ossicones are unique bony protuberances that are covered in skin and fur, and they play a significant part in the …

May 5, 2023 · Giraffes are well known for their long necks, but they also have another unique feature that sets them apart from other animals: their horns. Giraffes actually have two distinct sets of horns, known as ossicones, that grow from the top of their heads. These ossicones are not true horns, but are made of bone and covered in skin and hair.The first set of ossicones, which …

Sep 12, 2022 · No, giraffes do not have horns; they have ossicones. Ossicones are bone structures covered by the giraffe’s skin and fur. Giraffes are distant relatives of the sivatherium. An extinct animal with what looked like antlers but were, in fact, ossicones.

Apr 14, 2025 · How Many Horns Does a Giraffe Have? The Truth Behind Those Bumpy Heads! The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think! While most people assume giraffes have horns, technically, they have ossicones.Most giraffes possess a pair of these ossicones, covered in skin and fur.However, some giraffe species can sport more, leading to some fascinating …