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.
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! (╭☞´ิ∀´ิ)╭☞