The occurrenceof major storms every 30 years in thiscentury may be the most importantfactor controlling mangrove ecosystemdynamics in south Florida. Shouldstorms become more intense over thenext century, they may further alter thestructure and composition of thismangrove landscape.
Gestation. Giraffes are pregnant for a period between 14 and 15 months, or 453 to 464 days, one of longest gestation periods in the animal kingdom. Giraffes usually give birth to one offspring at a time, although twins are born occasionally. Because the gestation period is so long, the giraffe won't give birth to another baby for 16 months or more.
Compared to any other animal, a baby giraffe is a giant, weighing 150 pounds and standing six feet tall when it drops out of its mother's womb. When it's born, a baby giraffe really does drop -- almost five feet to the ground. Only 10 hours later, the baby will be running with the other giraffes.