Approximately how long, in feet, is the tongue of an adult giraffe on average?

Introduction / Context:
Giraffes are famous for their long necks and their equally remarkable tongues, which they use to grasp leaves from tall trees. This question tests simple factual knowledge about the approximate length of a giraffe tongue in feet, a popular fact often quoted in general knowledge books and quizzes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

We are asked about the average length of a giraffe tongue expressed in feet. The options include a small value, a realistic moderate value and some exaggerated large values. We assume an adult giraffe in normal health.

Concept / Approach:
The tongue of an adult giraffe is usually reported to be around 45 to 50 centimetres long, which is slightly less than half a metre. To convert this idea into feet, remember that one foot is about 30 centimetres. Therefore, a 45 to 50 centimetre tongue will be about one and a half to 1.7 feet long. Many sources simplify this by saying that the giraffe tongue is roughly 18 to 20 inches long, which equals about 1.5 to 1.7 feet. The option 1.6 feet represents this familiar approximate length.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall or look up that the giraffe tongue is around 45 to 50 centimetres long. Step 2: Convert this to feet. Since 30 centimetres is about one foot, 45 centimetres is about 1.5 feet and 50 centimetres is about 1.7 feet. Step 3: Compare the options. The value 1.6 feet lies comfortably inside this realistic range. Step 4: Values such as 6 feet, 10 feet or 18 feet would be longer than most humans and are clearly unrealistic for a tongue. Step 5: A value of 0.5 feet would be only about 15 centimetres and much shorter than the widely known size of a giraffe tongue.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick common sense verification is to imagine a giraffe using its tongue to wrap around branches and strip leaves. A tongue of around 45 to 50 centimetres is long enough to reach between thorns and pull leaves into the mouth, while still being manageable within the jaw. A tongue several metres long would be impractical and not supported by any real observation. Remember that many general knowledge books and zoo information boards mention that a giraffe tongue is roughly 18 inches long, which again supports the range of about 1.5 feet to 1.7 feet and aligns with the option of 1.6 feet.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Six feet, ten feet and eighteen feet are extreme values that do not match anatomical measurements and would make ordinary feeding behaviour very awkward. A giraffe with such a tongue length has never been documented. Half a foot, or about 15 centimetres, is too short compared with the widely accepted average measurements. Therefore those options can be eliminated both by memory of facts and by realistic anatomical reasoning.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners misjudge metric to imperial conversions and may pick a very large number, thinking that a long neck implies an equally exaggerated tongue. Others may guess a small number because they have never seen a close up picture of a giraffe tongue. To avoid such mistakes, it helps to remember a few benchmark conversions, such as 30 centimetres per foot and 2.5 centimetres per inch, and to rely on widely reported general knowledge values rather than extreme guesses.

Final Answer:
The tongue of an adult giraffe is on average about 1.6 feet long.