The neck area of an okapi has unusually thick skin. This protects vital blood vessels. It helps defend against predator bites. The thickness also reduces injury from branches. This area is crucial for survival. Evolution reinforced this vulnerable zone.
This adaptation improves survival chances during attacks. Even partial protection can save lives.
It demonstrates how targeted evolution works. Not all body parts evolve equally.
Okapi neck skin can be significantly thicker than their flank skin.
Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk)