Tall mammal (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: GIRAFFE (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Tall mammal" with 7 letters is "GIRAFFE".Giraffe is a tall mammal known for its exceptionally long neck and legs, native to the African savannas. It is the tallest land animal in the world, using its height to reach leaves high up in trees, particularly from acacia species, making it uniquely adapted to its environment.
Why "Giraffe" Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning "tall mammal." The answer, GIRAFFE, fits perfectly:
- Tall mammal: Giraffe is the universally recognized term for the tallest land mammal, precisely matching the definition given in the clue.
- Direct match: With seven letters, giraffe fits the enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The term refers specifically to the long-necked, spotted African herbivore, known for its extraordinary height.
Giraffe is an iconic animal in zoology, wildlife conservation, and pop culture:
Origin and usage:
- The word comes from Arabic zarāfa, making its way into Italian and French before entering English.
- Giraffes are native to savanna and open woodlands throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Physical features and facts:
- Adult giraffes can reach up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) in height, making them the tallest terrestrial animals.
- Recognizable by their extremely long necks, legs, and unique spotted coats.
- They use their height to browse leaves and shoots high in acacia trees, far beyond the reach of other herbivores.
Examples:
- “A giraffe can spot predators from a great distance due to its height.”
- “The giraffe’s distinctive gait and long tongue are adapted to feeding high off the ground.”
- “Conservationists monitor giraffe populations to protect these tall mammals from habitat loss.”
In quick crosswords like “Tall mammal (7),” animal clues often use superlatives or distinctive features to lead to unique names:
Definition: The clue is a pure definition; “tall mammal” virtually always means giraffe.
Clue type: Descriptive fact, instantly pointing to a single, well-known species.
Solving approach:
- For seven-letter mammals known for exceptional height, only giraffe fits the bill, with alternatives like “elephant” (8), “antelope” (8), and “okapi” (5) either too long or not tall enough.
Crossword pattern: Superlatives and unique traits—tallest, largest, fastest—are frequent clue elements for animals with standout characteristics.
