GIANTS : The biggest of the big...
LARGEST ANIMAL
The largest animal is the Blue Whale. The largest Blue Whale ever recorded was 106 feet long, and weighing 209 tons. The Blue Whale is also one of the oldest known living species on the planet, and as far as we know today - the Blue Whale is the largest animal to ever live on our planet. (Even bigger than any known dinosaur!) They also hold the record for fastest marine animal, reaching speeds of 30mph! They also hold the title for the largest mammal, and largest under water...
LARGEST ON LAND
The largest animal on land is the African Elephant, standing 13 feet high, and weighing from 8,800-15,500 pounds. The African Elephant can be as long as 24 feet, and they can eat as much as 400 pounds of vegetation each day.
LARGEST IN THE SKY
Although not the largest bird, the California Condor is the largest flying bird in North America. Their wingspan can reach 9 ½ feet and they can weigh up to 23 pounds. There are only 199 of these birds left in the world, and only 73 of them are living in the wild.
LARGEST UNDERGROUND
The Wombat is the largest burrowing animal in the world. Growing about 40 inches long and weighing up to 70-80 pounds, and is also known as the second largest marsupial (after the kangaroo.) Wombats are also known as the most intellegent marsupial, and although they are much smaller than the other giants, they are the largest underground.
LARGEST BIRD
The largest bird is the Ostrich, standing from 7-9 feet tall, and weight from 225-400 pounds. The Ostrich can live as long as 70 years, and this bird is also known for producing the largest sized eggs of all the bird species.
LARGEST REPTILE
The largest reptile is the Saltwater Crocodile, at an amazing 16 feet long, and weighing 1,150 pounds. Crocodiles have very good vision, and they can see almost 180 degrees, but they can't see anything below their nose.
LARGEST FISH
A Whale is not a fish, but a Whale Shark is... Whale Shark is the largest of all fish, reaching lengths of 40 feet. They can weigh as much as 15 tons. The Whale Shark is also known as the Tofu Shark, because of it's white color, soft texture and the high water content in it's flesh.
LARGEST SNAKE
The longest snake is the Reticulated Python, measuring from 26-32 feet long. The heaviest snake is the anaconda who grows as long as 27 feet, which does not reach the lenghts of the Reticulated Python, but weighs an amazing 500 pounds.
LARGEST AMPHIBIAN
Giant Salamander, Andrias davidianus is the largest amphibian in the world, growing over 6 feet long and weighing up to 60 pounds. The giant salamander is nocturnal and is found in China.
LARGEST INSECT
The largest insect is the Stick Bug or Walking Stick, which can grow as long as 15 inches. There are over 2700 types of Walking Sticks, the largest type called the Pharnacia kirbyi. These are gentle bugs, and they have become popular all over the world as pets!