The wildebeest is a very large creaturePolymorphism, which gathers the external characteristics of common herbivoresThe head is like an ox, the body is like a horse, and the beard is like a sheepIf you don't look closely, it's really hard to see the true face of the wildebeest.
Unlike what many people know,The ancestors of wildebeest may have originated in Asia before migrating to Africa
As early as 25 million years ago, in the Miocene, the expansion of Asia's grasslands prompted the evolution of a group of early bovids, including the ancestors of wildebeest, who slowly adapted to a herbaceous diet.
Approximately7 million years agoThe continent's climate is gradually drying out, and the original forests are slowly degrading into vast grasslands, attracting a large number of herbivores, it was from that time that the ancestors of wildebeest came to Africa via land bridges and eventually divergedBlack wildebeest and white wildebeestTwo species.
In order to adapt to the grassland environment, the black wildebeest has evolved wide incisors and well-developed molars, which can effectively chew rough herbs, as well as a strong physique, long legs, and hooves suitable for long walks.
Tanzania's grass is not eaten all year roundAs the seasons change, so does the amount of rainfall and the distribution of vegetation. When the dry season arrives in June, the grasslands begin to become barren.
To feed their hungry stomachs, millions of wildebeest gather and embark on a 3,000-kilometre migration。Head north from Tanzania's Serengeti Reserve to Kenya's Masai Mara National Park.
But the difficulties and dangers along the way are unimaginable.
First of all,Predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, etc., will take the opportunity to attack wildebeests, especially the elderly, weak, sick and disabled individuals. After all, survival of the fittest,Backward wildebeest individuals became a meal for carnivores, which is why wildebeest is also known as a mobile granary on the African savannah.
Secondly, during the migration, it is necessary to cross the famous Mara River, which runs across the savannahHundreds of thousands of crocodiles, as well as hippos, open their bloody mouths and wait for the wildebeest to be sent to the door, even if they cross the river in a group, there are many unlucky wildebeest ambushed on the way.
And that's not all, the entire migration path is 3,000 kilometers long, so-calledThe road knows the horsepowerMigration is a huge test of the physical strength and endurance of the wildebeest, and the weaker wildebeest may be on the road halfway through.
And thisThere is a lack of food and water along the wayIt is possible to go to the destination only by starving, and when the child cries, he will have milk to drink, and the little wildebeest, which has passively joined the migratory army soon after birth, can only move forward hard. From this point of view, it is a blessing to be born.
In the African savannah, not only the animals are wild, but malaria and parasites are also rampant. For wildebeests,If you get sick, you can't get any cure, so you either carry it or lie down
Just after rounds of elimination, only remainedA wildebeest that is robust enough and lucky enough, they are able to be found in the Masai Mara steppeThe time to enjoy the feast of fat grass will not exceed 3 months
In November and December, the grass resources are also depleted, and they have to return to Tanzania. In other words, the wildebeest who departed late and arrived late did not rest long before they came to the Masai Mara, and they had to be brutally baptized immediately.
Scientists estimate that a whole back and forthThe population of wildebeest retained during migration fluctuates between 40% and 60%.。The struggle for survival of the fittest is brutal, but it is precisely because of this that the best quality genes can be preserved.
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