Why do lions have manes?
One of a lion’s most famous features is its mane. Did you know that only male lions have manes? It’s true!
Different types of male lions have manes that look slightly different from each other, such as in color and growth. Some male lions don’t have manes at all!.
It’s believed that male lions probably have manes to help them look bigger.
Have you ever heard someone refer to lions as “king of the jungle”? Having a mane that makes them appear even bigger than they are is probably one of the ways lions make themselves look scary and keep their status at the top!
Another reason for male lions to have manes is believed to be that it helps them attract a mate.
A mane of a certain appearance may be an appealing sign of strength and fitness!
Exploration
The MANE Attraction!
What are some other animals you know of who have manes?One good example would be horses and ponies! What are some similarities and differences between horse manes and lion manes? One good similarity might be where the manes are located on these animals’ faces and bodies – near the face and neck. A good difference might be the ways that each animal uses its mane, with lions using their for appearances and horses using theirs to shield them from bugs!What are some other ideas you can think of??
