It may be in relation to when you duplicate a repository. When you cp an active git repository you receive an identical file state; when you git clone you rece

It may be in relation to when you duplicate a repository. When you cp an active git repository you receive an identical file state; when you git clone you receive only what is necessary. Old objects, reflogs, et al aren't in the clone. A clone of an existing local repository may also make hard links, if your file system supports it.