Sticking a neck out for evolution: Is Darwin's theory about long-necked giraffes true?

Charles Darwin was the first to propose that giraffes evolved into the elegantly long-necked creatures they are because successive generations realised that extra vertebrae helped them get access to tender leaves on top of trees. Pretty smart thinking by giraffes — and Darwin, of course, for deducing this millennia later.

But, then, thanks to an epiphanic moment while seeing two male giraffes using their necks to fight over a female, a researcher concluded in 1997 that the main purpose of that elongated scrag was not food but sex. In other words, size (of the neck) matters. While the theory may have its adherents, what Darwin posited about giraffes was probably right after all, going by recent discoveries.

Scientists now aver that a sauropod called Bagualia alba that roamed Argentina 179 million years ago developed not only its huge teeth but also a strong, long neck to reach and chew the tough leaves of tall conifers, the only trees that proliferated after volcanic eruptions raised temperatures.


That the extension proved useful is evident as successive herbivorous dinosaurs continued with this natural equipment. Humans resort to technology rather than evolution —like using a ladder rather than waiting for necks or limbs to lengthen. Without this trait of jugaad and innovation, we may have evolved very differently indeed.