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)_/¯
*Quite certain now it was one of David Attenborough’s recent episodic series (**Planet Earth I or II).
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.
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.
Edit: also for those wondering, it’s a type of antelope.
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)_/¯*Quite certain now it was one of David Attenborough’s recent episodic series (**Planet Earth I or II).
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.
Edit: also for those wondering, it’s a type of antelope.