Question

What is the okapi's closest relative?

Answer 1

The okapi's closest relative is the giraffe. Despite having different physical characteristics, genetic analysis has shown that the two species diverged from a common ancestor about 11-12 million years ago. Both giraffes and okapis are the only living members of the family Giraffidae.

Answer 2

The okapi's closest living relative is the giraffe, with both species belonging to the family Giraffidae.

The giraffe and the okapi share several unique physical features, including long necks, prehensile tongues, and ossicones (horn-like structures). While the giraffe is much taller and has a longer neck than the okapi, the two species share similar cardiovascular and digestive adaptations for browsing on leaves in their respective habitats. The giraffe and okapi likely diverged from a common ancestor around 11-12 million years ago.