Submitted 11 months ago by fossilesque@mander.xyz to science_memes@mander.xyz
https://mander.xyz/pictrs/image/801a732d-826d-4992-bc59-ca369fe83e02.jpeg
IIRC (please have salt ready) this species used to have the largest population in that part of the world, and their large noses evolved out of a need to filter out all the dust kicked up from their massive herds.
Source is my first year bio teacher I think, but that was a while ago. I’m actually not sure where I got this information. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The saiga antelope’s nose is undoubtedly its most distinctive feature. This bizarre, bulbous appendage is an adaptation that enables the saiga to survive the tough conditions and extreme seasonal temperature swings in its native habitat. The swollen nostrils filter out dust and cool the blood during hot, dry summers, and act as a radiator in winter to warm the cold air before it enters the saiga’s lungs. Other seasonal adaptations include a thick winter coat that the saiga sheds when the weather warms up.
Thanks! (╭☞´ิ∀´ิ)╭☞
Now I’m really disappointed because their Wikipedia article basically doesn’t even mention their nose. Just that there’s some markings on the nose and people used to wrongly believe they drank through their noses.
Where what it actually is… is what? :-P
is Snooty- Hornyboi
Didn’t Yoda ride one of these in the OG clone wars series?
essell@lemmy.world 11 months ago
Cool species.
Their main competition is called a “Neinteindo”