Can you tell the age of a giraffe by the number of spots on its body?

No, you cannot determine the age of a giraffe by counting the number of spots on its body. Although it is a common misconception that the number of spots on a giraffe's coat corresponds to its age, this is not true.

Giraffes are born with spots that are more compact and darker in color than those of adult giraffes. As the giraffe grows, the spots become lighter in color and spread out. However, the pattern of spots on a giraffe's coat is unique to each individual and can be used to identify them, but not to determine their age.

The actual age of a giraffe can be estimated by its size, behavior, and teeth. For example, the size and shape of a giraffe's ossicones (horns) can help determine its age, and the wear and tear on its teeth can provide clues to its age as well.