Patches on giraffes play a surprising role

Updated

Staying cool in hot weather is central to the survival of most giraffes, and this function is believed to be greatly aided by one of their most noticeable features—patches.

According to Smithsonian.com, "The dark patches on a giraffe's body hide an intricate network of blood vessels and glands. These allow blood to flow through them, releasing heat and cooling the body."

As such, these pigmented areas have been called their "thermal window."

See more photos of the fascinating creature:

Interestingly, researchers are unsure if giraffes perspire or not because, though they have sweat glands, some have argued that they are non-functioning remnants from ancestors.

However, the fact that these glands are bigger under the patches indicates that they could play some role in cooling the animals.

Smithsonian points out that giraffes' long, slender necks provide a larger surface area for more patches, increasing the opportunities "...for giving off heat."

Related: These little critters are unexpectedly adorable:

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