What protects the warthog's front knees during their distinctive foraging posture?
Answer
Thick, hardened calluses
The ability of the warthog to drop onto its front knees for extended periods while grazing or rooting is enabled by a specific anatomical adaptation: thick, hardened calluses developed on the knees. These calluses provide substantial physical protection, cushioning the joint against the abrasive ground surface, which is necessary for maintaining this low-profile feeding position close to the soil. Without this durable protection, the repeated pressure and friction involved in their preferred method of consuming short grasses or investigating shallow surface food would quickly lead to injury and prevent them from utilizing this efficient foraging strategy.
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