People at their peak of opportunity try to learn more information about their home planet. At the moment, mankind knows no more than 5-7% of everything that the earth hides. Underwater depths, high mountains and abandoned places are becoming a new environment for the emergence of new species of living organisms. The world is still a big and difficult mystery, which the best scientists and researchers are trying to solve.

Regardless of the unknown amount of information about the world, now it is possible to identify the largest animals on earth. Thanks to miscalculations, modern technology and other methods, it is easy to find out about the types of animals that are known to mankind, including weight and ways of life.

The largest animal on earth

Most people who have not spent too much time reading books can confidently say that the largest animal in the world is the elephant. Large animal feeding on grass and leaves capable of trampling any predator. The history of elephants, as the largest animals in the world, originated in the distant depths of history, when it was not yet possible to create ships capable of sailing thousands of miles.

Before Columbus discovered the New World, the elephant was the largest animal on the planet. This was considered a reliable fact. But after a significant leap in the development of the science of shipbuilding, began massive exploration of the oceans, including the Quiet, where most of the marine animals live. During this period, people were faced with the unimaginable power of a sea animal, able to compare with the largest ships in the world. There was an acquaintance of mankind with the blue whale, the heaviest animal in the world.

The title of the heaviest animal in the world passed to the big "fish", while the elephant is now called the largest mammal on earth. Over time, the study of the animal world led to an unexpected fact: a blue whale, like an elephant, is also a mammal. Moms feed their cubs milk. Due to its high fat content, it does not dissolve in water. At this time, the elephant was again "moved" a little. To this day, the elephant is called the largest land animal on Earth. Among the different species, the African elephant stands out. This huge creature up to 7 and a half meters high can weigh up to 7-8 tons. It is considered the leader among all elephants in terms of mass and size.

Thanks to its own weight and body dimensions, it is clear that an elephant on land has no equal in weight and size. Most of the other animals are several times lighter than this giant. However, it is impossible to call him the largest animal in the world, taking into account the expanses of water, because such a statement is a lie.

An elephant, in comparison with a blue whale, is completely comparable to a hare against the backdrop of a huge lion. In fact, the blue whale is recognized as the largest creature in the world. His heart alone will weigh over 750 kilograms. All research, detailed analysis of fossils and historical finds have repeatedly proven that the blue whale is the largest animal on earth that has ever existed in history. The body length of a blue whale is more than 30 meters, this is the distance of half of a football field.

Do not discount other animals that can compete in the title of the largest among their species. There are tons of creatures on the planet that can be more interesting than an elephant.

The largest arthropod in the world

Among arthropods, there are also incredible champions that can capture the imagination of a person. Japanese spider crab is still considered the largest creature of the arthropod species. The total weight sometimes reaches 20 kilograms, and the body length, including claws, is up to 4 meters. Yes, not as impressive as an elephant. Arthropods are not famous for their large size, most of the subspecies of animals reach sizes up to 30-40 centimeters, no more.

Largest bird

Bird Paradise also has incredible individuals that have ways to grow to incredible sizes. As many have guessed, the largest bird in the world is the ostrich. The incredible weight, sometimes reaching an impressive figure of 170 kilograms, with an increase of almost 3 meters, allows the ostrich to b be the largest bird... Ostriches cannot fly because of their weight. This is offset by an incredible speed of 100 kilometers per hour. Thanks to strong and powerful legs, ostriches are capable of killing a person in one sitting. There were cases when more than 80 bones were broken from one blow of an ostrich to a person. And also the title of the fastest two-legged creature on the entire planet belongs to the ostrich.

It is worth mentioning several other species of birds that can fly, which can also amaze with their size:

Reptile record holder

Reptiles are the most "unloved" creatures for humans. Because of their skin structure and demeanor, people try to avoid close contact with them. The largest reptile in the world is the Saltwater Crocodile. it six-meter carcass weighing up to 1 ton, capable of inflicting fatal blows with its jaws in an instant. They can rightfully be called the most dangerous predators on earth. They are not afraid of people, they boldly attack large animals. There have been cases when one such crocodile was able to fill up a large hippo.

The most dangerous and deadly reptiles are:

  • Alligator.
  • Leatherback turtle.
  • Komodo dragon.
  • Poisontooth.
  • Anaconda, or python.

Predators and their achievements

The largest predator on the planet is the Southern Elephant Seal. It is now easy to guess that the blue whale and elephants are herbivores. The southern elephant seal allows itself to attack large fish, including world famous sharks, squid. The weight of the males of these animals sometimes reaches 4 tons. Despite being comparatively worthless on land, although this is a myth, elephant seals are experienced and dangerous foes. Apart from a pair of sharp fangs, capable of instantly tearing any flesh, one should beware of fins, the force of impact of which is comparable to a collision of a car. The elephant seal spends most of the hunt in the water.

The land leaders in the list of the largest predators are divided into two species - Polar bear and Kodiak. Someone thought Grizzly? They are not able to compare with these monsters of the predatory world. The largest and most ferocious kings of the terrestrial predatory world are capable of attacking not only herbivores and fish, as is often shown on television channels. They are excellent killing machines, capable of destroying anyone who dares to enter their territory.

Giants among cute hares

In order to add a little grace to the article, you can think of hares. Yes, and there are large and heavy representatives among them. This is not the usual hare that sometimes comes across in the forests of Europe. A real giant can be considered the Belgian Flanders. An ancient species of hares, which with modern care can reach a mass of 12-13 kilograms. An adult of one such member of this species is larger than most hunting dogs. Their strong hind legs are capable of breaking large wooden beams up to 8 centimeters in diameter. They are successfully bred in many countries.

These are not all records of the animal world that can hit the human mind. It should be understood that more than 90% of the living world planet is still hidden from human eyes. It is possible that at a depth of more than 2 kilometers somewhere in the Pacific Ocean there are creatures that are many times larger than even a blue whale with elephants in size and mass.

The largest mammal (carnivore) is the southern sea lion

Its weight: 2.2 - 5 tons. The length of his body is 4.2 - 5 meters. Before being included in the group of carnivores, sea lions belonged to pinnipeds, and the polar bear was considered the largest carnivore. Also, the brown bear and the Siberian tiger are among the large representatives of carnivores.

The largest cetacean is the blue whale

Its weight: 110 - 160 tons, and body length: 20 - 30 meters. Blue whales are not only the largest cetaceans on the planet, but in general the largest animals in the world. Whales communicate at frequencies in excess of 180 decibels, making them the loudest animals. Fin whale ranks second in size after the blue whale.

The largest artiodactyl is the hippo

Its weight: 1.4 - 1.5 tons. Body length: 2.7 meters. The hippopotamus is the heaviest animal of the artiodactyl order. Another large representative of the order is the giraffe, which, although much lighter than a hippo, is the tallest animal living on the planet. Smaller and not so tall representatives of artiodactyls are camels, pigs, deer, pronghorns, cows and antelopes.

European hare

Its weight: 3 - 6.5 kilograms, and body length: 680 mm. After sea lions, blue whales and hippos, the hare does not seem like a big animal at all. But even small mammals have their giants.

The largest mammal (marsupial) is the red kangaroo

Its weight: 25 - 90 kilograms, and body length (without tail): 1 - 1.6 meters. Tail length: 75 - 120 centimeters. The male red kangaroo can be more than twice the size of the gray-blue female.

The largest equid-hoofed - white rhino

Its weight: 2.33 tons. Body length: 3.7 - 4 meters. Horses, zebras, domestic donkeys, tapirs and rhinos are classified as equids. The white rhino has two horns, a short neck and a hump at the nape. The color of this rhino, which is not actually white, ranges from brown to dark gray. White rhinos live in open grassy savanna-type areas with rare trees and bushes. Rhinos and hippos are the largest animals in the world after elephants.

The largest primate is the eastern lowland gorilla

Her weight: 225 kilograms, and body length: 1.83 meters. Eastern lowland gorillas are rarely kept in captivity. However, one of the largest representatives of this species, who lived in the zoo, the gorilla Phill, weighed 388 kg with a height of 180 cm.

African elephant

Its weight: 4 - 7 tons, and body length: 4 - 5 meters. African elephants are not only the largest proboscis, but also the largest land animals in the world. In second place are Indian elephants.

The largest rodent is the capybara

Its weight: 35 - 66 kilograms. Body length: 1.1 - 1.3 meters. Capybara is a semi-aquatic mammal whose habitat is South America (Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Guyana, Uruguay, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, French Guyana). Capybaras live in forests along the shores of lakes, ponds and rivers. The closest relatives of capybaras are agouti, chinchillas, nutria and guinea pigs. Capybaras have thick fur and partially webbed legs.

The biggest siren is the American manatee

Weight: 200 - 600 kilograms. Body length: 2.5 - 4.5 meters. The American manatee is an aquatic mammal. The species has two subspecies: Florida manatee and Caribbean manatee. Several centuries ago, there was another representative of sirens on earth - Steller's sea cow. However, this largest mammal was completely exterminated by 1768: just 27 years after the European discovery of the species.

photo from the Internet

24.03.2013

Do you know which are the most big animals on the ground? Then you can view this top 10 and find out which one big animal, although this list contains various species and terrestrial inhabitants and underwater and birds, etc. But they are all huge in proportion to those animals that we see every day.

10. Giant green anaconda

The largest and heaviest snake in the world. Belongs to the subfamily of boas. The largest of the recorded individuals reached 11.43 m in length. Weighs about 60 kg. It has a grayish-green color with brown spots. It lives mainly in the tropical zone of South America. He loves water and very rarely leaves water. It differs in that it knows how to swim and dive perfectly. It feeds on rodents, young crocodiles, birds and turtles. It very rarely attacks large animals, and only in case of self-defense on humans. Chokes the victim and swallows it.

9. Southern elephant seal

One of biggest animals on earth and the largest seal species in the world. The largest recorded specimens reached 6.5 m and 3.5 tons. But its trunk is shorter than that of its relatives - only 10 cm. The total number is about 750 thousand individuals. Colonies of the southern elephant seal are located on the subantarctic archipelagos and islands: South Georgia, Kerguelen, Heard, Macquarie.

8. African ostrich


The largest bird in the world. Its height reaches 250 cm, weight up to 150 kg. He cannot fly, but he runs at a speed of up to 70 km / h, taking steps of 3.5-4 m. If necessary, he can abruptly change the direction of movement without changing the speed. Contrary to popular belief, it does not hide its head in the sand, but it can “drop” it to the ground from fatigue after a long run.

7. Saltwater crocodile

The saltwater crocodile is the largest of the crocodiles. Body length up to 7 m in males, up to 3 m in females. Adult males can gain weight up to 1000 kg. Most often found on the shores of Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. But it makes its way to other popular resorts. Capable of long voyages on the high seas. It is extremely dangerous on the shore or in shallow water, where it is easy for him to sneak up on prey. Every year, many people become victims of it.

6. Polar bear

Other names: polar, northern, sea bear, oshkuy. It can reach 3 m in length and 1000 kg of body weight. The largest representatives are found in the Bering Sea. It differs from other bears by its flat head and long neck. It hunts for seals, bearded seals, walruses, fish. A very thick layer of subcutaneous fat and thick fur help it survive in cold and icy water.

5. Giraffe

The tallest animal. Lives in the savannas of Africa. Height up to 6 m, body weight up to 1200 kg. Despite the unusually long neck, like other mammals, it has only seven cervical vertebrae. But he has a very strong heart, capable of passing 60 liters of blood per minute and creating pressure three times that of a person. Consumes about 30 kg of plant foods daily. The color of a giraffe is as unique as a human fingerprint.

4. White rhino

The second largest big animal overland after elephant. Body length up to 4.2 m, weight up to 5 tons, height at the shoulders up to 2 m. In fact, it is not white at all, but dark gray. The name most likely comes from the distorted Boer word wijde (wide, wide-mouthed), consonant with English white (white). It has two horns, which it uses successfully in fights with rivals. Lives in South and North-West Africa. It feeds on grassy vegetation.

3. Hippopotamus

Belongs to the order of artiodactyls, the suborder of pigs. Distributed in the African continent. Weight can reach 4 tons, length up to 5.4 m. It predominantly leads a semi-aquatic lifestyle. The mouth of a hippopotamus can open unusually wide - 150 degrees. Interestingly, the hippopotamus is able to run very fast on land. A rather aggressive animal. When provoked by a person, it is capable of unexpectedly attacking.

2. African elephant

Mammal of the Proboscis order. Height at the shoulders up to 4 m, weight - 7.5 tons. Habitat - Africa to the south of the Sahara. Includes two modern species - the bush elephant and the forest elephant. More of their Indian relatives and the most big animal among the land. Only 500-600 thousand of these giants remain in nature. An unusually intelligent animal, capable of mutual assistance and mutual assistance. For example, if one elephant cannot get rid of a sucked leech, another can take a stick and free a friend from a bloodsucker. The same applies to.

1. Blue whale

When the word "giant" is used, most people represent either huge diplodocus or a mammoth from the "Ice Age". Another option is not excluded - eucalyptus and baobabs. However, there are many more creatures whose size may pleasantly (and not very much) surprise you. Oddly enough, huge living organisms exist not only in fairy tales and the prehistoric past, but are also sharing the planet with us right now! Here is a list of notable animals - from dog-sized rabbits to human-sized crabs. Feel like tiny with the largest inhabitants of the world!

Female hippopotamus during evening rest

Looking at these funny creatures (which, by the way, are one of the most aggressive mammals in the world: more people suffer from them than from crocodiles and sharks), it is difficult to believe that their closest relatives are sea whales. Although they came out on land, hippos are still completely devoted to the aquatic environment, as evidenced by the etymology of their Greek name - "river horse".

Male gorilla at rest

This gorilla species is on the verge of extinction. A humanly intelligent primate lives only in a small area in Africa, where deforestation and poaching have made his life a struggle for survival. The eastern gorilla is the largest of the great ape species.

The largest breed of rabbit - Flandre

Domestic rabbit of breed "flanders" and collie

This breed of game rabbit is about the size of an average dog and can impress foodies and fur lovers alike. The largest rabbit was first bred in the Middle Ages near the Belgian city of Ghent.

Octopus on an engraving of the early 19th century

Only recently has it been possible to prove the existence of giant squids, since they rarely appear on the surface. Many oceanologists are sure that the legendary Kraken is a representative of this cephalopod subspecies. Until the end of the twentieth century, the only evidence of its existence was imprints from suckers the size of a plate on the bodies of sperm whales. However, in 2004, Japanese researchers managed to photograph a live giant squid in its habitat.

"Flying" stingray in shallow water

This majestic stingray, nicknamed the "sea devil", can have a "wingspan" of up to eight meters. Moreover, manta rays can easily jump several meters out of the water. Unfortunately, this beautiful sight can only be observed in the open sea and only during the breeding season.

Old white shark on the hunt

This sea monster is the largest and most aggressive fish living today (it's good that the megalodons are extinct). Moreover, it has no natural enemies other than killer whales and humans.

Capybara - a peaceful rodent animal

Rodent sunbathing

This cute creature feels comfortable at home and is increasingly becoming a pet. The capybara is the largest rodent. They live in families or even in groups in South America.

Anaconda while hunting

This snake is the largest in the world and even has its own horror franchise. Large individuals can reach eight meters in length. Some species of pythons can surpass the anaconda in size, but do not overtake it in thickness.

The head and structure of the front of the body of the perch

As the name suggests, this perch lives in the Nile River and is the largest freshwater fish. Its length can reach the height of an adult. Its other name is "water elephant".

The trail from the movement of such a carcass is the best signal to turn back.

This type of reptile is the largest living species. The combed crocodile can be found in the Indian Ocean off the coast. This monster is known for its aggressiveness, so if you see two rows of prongs swimming towards you, you better get away with it.

Flying fox on vacation

Unfortunately, this large bat is on the verge of extinction due to the fact that its habitats in the Philippines are subject to deforestation and pollution. Acerodon is peaceful and eats exclusively fruits.

Komodo Island Dragon Digests Lunch

These legendary "dragons" are the largest lizards in the world. They are known for their gluttony: in one meal, they can eat almost as much as they weigh themselves. However, there is a downside to their appetite: the metabolism of monitor lizards is so slow that it is enough for a monitor lizard to eat once a month.

Cassowary comb is considered an aphrodisiac

These are the largest birds outside of Africa. Despite their peaceful disposition, cassowaries can attack people during the current period or if the bird feels a threat to its offspring.

Killer whale chasing a fur seal

In fact, killer whales are not whales. They are the largest members of the dolphin family. They have high intelligence and live in large families.

Female sperm whale with cub

These huge whales are the largest carnivores on the planet. In addition, sperm whales have the largest brains. However, this does not save them from the whalers.

Crab at Tokyo Aquarium

A true champion among arthropods. This type of crabs lives off the coast of Japan. It is known for its size (it can weigh up to 20 kg), taste (gourmets all over the world queue up for its phalanges) and longevity (there are individuals that have lived for a century).

A female elephant scaring away intruders

It is scary to imagine, but these mammals can reach 5 tons in weight. And given their aggressiveness and size, elephant seals can be safely called the largest carnivores on land (although they hunt marine life, fortunately for us).

Pelican before flying to fish

This pelican species is the largest flying bird. Lives on the territory of the Eurasian continent.

Emu during the mating season

The comical, but dangerous and aggressive bird is known to be the largest in the world. It can accelerate to 70 km / h, which allows the ostriches to win in two nominations: the fastest two-legged creature and the fastest flightless bird.

Giraffe in one of the US zoos

Everyone is well aware of these amazing and cute creatures. Despite its good nature, the giraffe can run fast and fight back even lions. This mammal is the tallest of the land animals.

Huge fish in the New Mexico Aquarium

This inhabitant of the oceans is the largest representative of bony fish (those that do not have cartilage, but full-fledged bones).

Salamander at the Beijing Zoo

The Chinese have put the fate of this species of lizard under threat of extinction, as they value its meat for its taste and use the internal organs in traditional medicine.

The bear is looking for food in the polar winter

Despite the seeming "plushness", polar bears are strong and vicious predators that can tear a person apart in a matter of seconds. They say that there is no salvation from him, except for a shameful flight.

Male that scares off border trespassers

The largest land creature. Representatives of this species do not have enemies who could attack it with impunity (except for people who destroy elephants on an industrial scale). Its weight can be up to 12 tons.

Young whale playing with a school of fish

Perhaps, over time, new species of living beings will acquire monstrous proportions. Yes, and among the living there may be unknown giants, which we will definitely learn about.