Okapi hooves are specially shaped for rainforest floors. They spread weight evenly on soft soil. This prevents sinking or slipping. The shape also improves quiet movement. Stable footing reduces injury risk. Hooves evolved for forest precision, not speed.
This adaptation allows safe movement year-round. Rainy seasons do not limit mobility.
It shows how foot structure mirrors habitat. Terrain drives anatomy.
Okapi hooves differ noticeably from giraffe hooves.
Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk)