Why do some animals have long necks?

Long necks in animals, such as giraffes and some species of birds, have evolved to help them access food that other animals cannot reach. Giraffes, for example, have long necks that allow them to feed on leaves from tall trees, particularly acacias, that are out of reach for most herbivores. Long necks can also provide advantages in terms of social behavior, such as in male giraffes, where necks are used for “necking” battles to establish dominance. This adaptation improves access to resources, helping these animals survive in competitive environments.