The largest shark in the world. Who is the biggest on Earth? Who is heavier than an elephant or a shark

We all know well that the largest animals, or giant animals, lived on our Earth millions of years ago - these are various dinosaurs, mammoths, terrible birds and many, many other prehistoric animals. Their giant size and the appearance seems stunning to us today.

But even today our world is full of the most amazing creatures, which amaze with their shapes and sizes. It’s even difficult for yourself to imagine what could affect their height and weight, but they are what they are, the main thing is that they feel quite comfortable among us. What kind of animals are these, and in which natural conditions they live about it, we will talk today. The rating is based on the weight, height and length of the animals.

1st place. Blue, or blue whale

The largest animal living on Earth today is the blue, or blue whale (lat. Balaenoptera musculus). Even dinosaurs cannot compete with it - its size is impressive. This marine mammal grows up to 30 meters in length, it can weigh more than 180 tons, even the tongue of this giant weighs about 2.7 tons (the size of an Asian elephant, medium size). The weight of a blue whale's heart is about 600 kilograms - this is the a big heart in the world.

The huge lungs of a blue whale (the volume of which is 3 thousand liters) allow it to stay at a depth without oxygen for about 20 minutes. Maximum speed developed by this mammal about 35 km / h, and the fountain released by it, which occurs when it comes to the surface, up to 10 m.

2nd place. Sperm whale

The next representative is (lat. Physeter catodon) Is the only representative of the sperm whale family today. It is the largest among toothed whales. The male sperm whale grows up to 20 m in length, and it weighs up to 50 tons. Females are less impressive in size - from 11 to 13 m, and weigh about 15 tons.

Interestingly, the head of an adult is approximately 35% of the total body length. There are sperm whales and larger sizes, but this is rather an exception. In nature, sperm whales have practically no enemies. The exception is killer whales that attack females and cubs; they cannot compete with an adult male.

3rd place. African elephant

African elephant (lat. Loxodonta africana) - the largest land animal living on earth. Includes two types - and. It occupies an honorable third place in this rating. With a height of 3 to 3.5 meters and a body length of 6-7.5 m, the mass of these animals can reach up to 6, or even 12 tons. Females of the African elephant are smaller than males: they grow up to 2.7 meters in height and 5.4-6.9 m in length.

Despite its impressive size, it can move at a speed of 35-40 km / h (it will easily overtake a person). He can eat 300 kg per day plant food... Due to its enormous mass, it sleeps while standing. A very intelligent animal that is capable of mutual assistance and compassion. But, despite this, it belongs to the most dangerous animals on the planet.

4th place. Indian elephant

Indian, or asian elephant(lat. Elephas maximum) Is the second largest land animal after the African elephant. The height can reach 2.5-3.5 m, the length of its body is about 5.5-6 m, and the tail of this elephant is not short - 1-1.5 m.This elephant can weigh from 5 to 5.5 tons ... Females, just like African elephants, are much smaller.

These elephants are forest dwellers... Prefers light tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests with dense undergrowth, which consists of shrubs and bamboo. Easily move through dense forests and marshland. They live in groups led by the most adult and experienced female.

5th place. Southern elephant seal

Southern elephant seal (lat. Mirounga leonina) - is considered the largest pinniped in the world. These large and obese animals can grow up to 6 m in length and weigh up to 4-5 tons.

They can stay under water for about 2 hours (officially registered record), they dive to a depth of more than 1300 meters. They lead their whole life in the ocean, and rarely get out on land - mainly during the breeding season.

6th place. Hippopotamus, or hippo

Hippopotamus (lat. Hippopotamus amphibius) - a mammal from the order of artiodactyls and the suborder of pigs. A native of Africa.

Hippos can steal up to 1.5-1.65 meters, the body length can be from 3 to 5 meters, and the mass is 3 tons or more. These animals increase their mass throughout their life, they also grow teeth throughout their life and can reach 0.5 m in length. Interestingly, only the skin weighs 0.5 tons.

7th place. White rhino

White rhinoceros (lat. Ceratotherium simum) Is the 2nd largest herbivore on the planet. Adults grow in height - up to 1.6-2 m, in length about 3.8-4.2 m.

Average weight the white rhino is about 3 tons, there are individuals much larger - about 8 tons. It is interesting that the white rhino is not white at all, but rather gray. He probably got this name from the distorted Boer word "wijde", which means "wide-faced" - in tune with English word"White" (Russian white).

8th place. Walrus

Walruses (lat. Odobenus rosmarus) Is one of the oldest large animals that have existed since the last ice age. The fossils found in San Francisco Bay date back approximately 28 thousand years.

Even now, these giants grow up to 3 m in length and weigh up to 2 tons, the thickness of the skin (on the neck and shoulders of males) is up to 10 cm, and the layer of fat is up to 15 cm. Large ones are perfectly adapted for life in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. They feed mainly on shellfish, but they can also eat fish.

9th place. Black rhino

Black rhinoceros (lat. Rhinoceros bicornis) - slightly smaller than white. The mass of this animal does not exceed 1.5-2 tons, the body length is about 3-3.5 meters, the height at the shoulders is 1.5-1.6 m. Their habit of moving around the same paths and low vision makes them vulnerable and defenseless against poachers.

The black rhino has no natural enemies, so it is not at all shy and because of this it automatically becomes an easy trophy for hunters. Interestingly, the body of the black rhino is more elongated and lighter than the white one.

10th place. Combed crocodile

Ridged, or sea ​​crocodile(lat. Crocodylus porosus) Is the largest and most massive reptile on the planet. A combed crocodile can grow up to 5.5-7 meters (usually 5 m) in length, the weight of an adult (male) is from 409 kg to 1.5 tons.

An interesting fact: it has a high commercial value because of its leather, from which all kinds of clothes, shoes, etc. are made. It is an object of fishing and is bred on crocodile farms.

Modern animal species are absolutely not inferior in size to prehistoric animals, but if a person does not belong to wildlife with due respect, they will all die out just like those that lived millions of years ago.

A person often asks the question: is he alone in the Universe? Is there life elsewhere or is he all, all alone? We do not know the answers. Bye. But before looking, holding your breath, at the stars, it is better to look around, because we share the planet with myriads of other creatures, each of which is unique and inimitable in its own way.

The smallest ones can only be seen with the help of a very powerful technique, for others, the person himself can become an annoying, but easily overcome obstacle. It is these large animals that make people stop to once again admire the diversity and bizarre fantasy of nature. Let's do it too.

The blue whale is a giant of giants

At this particular historical moment in time blue whales are the largest animals on earth, in water and in the air. Photos or videos can be impressive, but they don't even come close to their size. On land, these giants may seem a little awkward, but in the water they are second to none. When it comes to size, here are just a few facts to help you get a feel for their size:

1. The whale can be up to 33 meters long. If it's hard to imagine, imagine a nine-story building and add one more floor to it.
2. The weight of such a giant can be up to 200 tons. For example, Daewoo Matiz weighs less than 800 kilograms, that is, a whale is 250 times larger than a small, but still a car.
3. An adult animal spends 1 million calories per day. We would have to eat 500 kilograms of beef chops for this, but a whale costs a ton of krill.
4. The second largest animal is the elephant, but it weighs about the same as the whale's tongue alone.

This is only a small part of the information about this magnificent animal, but even it allows you to imagine how huge it is.

African elephant - king of the pampas

We have already spoken about this animal above, but this does not mean that it does not deserve more detailed description... If blue whales are super champions of all elements, then African elephant conquered only land, but on it there is no more massive animal. Here is a couple interesting facts:

1. The elephant young ladies weigh about three tons, their gentlemen - up to five, and the very best can increase up to seven and a half tons of live weight.
2. The baby elephant is born very tiny - only a centner of weight and a meter of growth, but he eats a lot of mother's fat milk and grows quickly.
3. A mature male's tusks can weigh up to 100 kilograms each.

Of course, compared to the blue whale, these numbers are not very impressive, but life in the air dictates its limits. On the other hand, other animals are even smaller.

Giraffe - 6 meters of misunderstanding

It is difficult to imagine the vagaries of evolution that gave rise to these strange creatures with their long legs and a neck comparable to them in length. But you can calmly admire the result, if not in natural environment, then at least in a photo or video. And to make it interesting to admire, here are some dry statistical facts:

1. The growth of a giraffe can reach six meters, of which 2 is only the neck. At the same time, they weigh relatively little - 1000-1200 kilograms. Not surprising given that they are mostly legs and neck.
2. Despite the fact that the length of the giraffe's neck strikes the wildest fantasies, approaching nightmares, there are as many vertebrae in it as in the neck of a person - 7 pieces.
3. The giraffe's tongue is another asset. He can stick it out almost half a meter.
4. It is difficult to imagine a running giraffe, but he knows how to do it not bad at all, developing a speed of up to 55 km / h. The jumping giraffe looks even more phantasmagoric. But at the same time, he can overcome the bar of two meters.

Thus, despite the seeming awkwardness and awkwardness, the giraffe is a miracle of nature, strong, hardy and ideally adapted for life in its conditions. Of course, this is not the largest animal in the world, but it is consistently among the top three.

Southern Elephant Seal - Fat Wineskin

The elephant seal is the most large view pinnipeds, and the southern branch is much larger than its relatives. They live, as the name suggests, on South Pole, which determined their appearance. In a harsh climate, and even more so ice (in the literal sense of the word) water, one cannot survive without a thick layer of fat that would protect him from this disgrace.

True, because of this, they began to look like wineskins filled with liquid fat, especially when they waddle in a rookery. But in the water they acquire the grace of a bird and the focus of a torpedo. In this regard, these large animals once again confirm that nature does nothing for nothing, adapting each creature to certain conditions. Several basic parameters of these giants:

1. In length, the male can grow up to 6 meters, having accumulated 5 tons of weight. His spouses are more miniature, their weight is about one ton at 2-3 meters in length.
2. A newly born baby weighs only 50 kilograms.
3. In the rookery there can be several hundred females and only a few dozen males who have won the right to be in this paradise.

Fat, clumsy, ugly - in fact, elephant seals are the personification of grace. Under the water. Not surprisingly, this is where they spend 70-80% of their lives.

Ostrich - a running bird

It is worth many, many times to thank nature that ostriches and their relatives do not fly. Otherwise, it would be scary to imagine what the monuments and squares of cities, which they would choose as their permanent location, would turn into. Their flight would resemble carpet bombing. And now you yourself will understand why:

1. The weight of an adult large ostrich can be up to 150 kilograms with a growth of 2.5 meters.
2. Their head is small, but very beautiful and large eyes. The brain already fits badly in the head, so it is comparable in size to the eyes.
3. Ostriches cannot fly, but they run excellently: at a speed of up to 60 km / h. Even chicks of one month old can reach speeds of up to 50 km / h, catching up with their mother.

Ostriches are beautiful and elegant birds. But still, it's good that they don't fly.

Liger - from a change in the places of the terms, the amount changes

There are three types of cats: domestic cats, small feral cats, and large feral cats. In this case, the liger could be called very large wild cat... It is not surprising, because they are much larger in size than both the lion dad and the tigress mother. Such marriages are quite rare, but any zoos or parks are proud of children.

This hybrid looks like a lion with dull, blurry stripes, but it's not that interesting, but their size. Here are some facts:

1. Liger Hercules weighs 400 kilograms, twice overtaking dad and his relatives.
2. The largest liger, marked by the Guinness Book of Records, weighed 798 kilograms. It can be easily divided into 4 lions.
3. The descendant from the tiger father and lioness mother is called the tigron, but it does not have such impressive dimensions.

At the Novosibirsk zoo, 4 liligres are now growing up - the eldest girl Kiara and newborn triplets. They were born from the marriage of a lion and a lion, creating a very rare and unique species. It is difficult to say yet whether they will be able to surpass their predecessor parents.

Grizzly is not a teddy bear at all
The grizzly bear is our Americanized native brown bear. But, having moved abroad, he acquired impressive claws, a bad temper, and besides, he grew up a little. See for yourself:

• On average, a grizzly bear ranges from 2.2 meters to 2.8 meters.
• The weight is about half a tone.
• Some, the most seasoned ones, reach a height of 4 meters. Weight and bad temper increase in proportion.
• The bear loves aggressive manicure: the length of its claws is about 15 centimeters, twice as long as human fingers.

Now you know what is the largest animal on our planet. Unfortunately, most of the champions listed in our article are firmly established in the Red Book. If humanity does not change its attitude towards them in the near future, then they risk moving to Black. Our grandchildren run the risk of learning about them: by photo and video.

It is the largest marine mammal in the world. Many shark species are also found in the oceans. Among these species, the "Whale Shark" - the most big shark in the world.

For many years, sharks have fascinated people with their deadly power and formidable appearance. Humanity creates myths around these mammals, and then they write books or films based on them.

From the very great shark modern world we have already briefly introduced you. But when compiling such ratings, many authors mistakenly add "Megalodon" - a huge shark that appeared on our planet about 23 million years ago and lived in the oceans until the late Pliocene (2.6 million years ago).

By the way, according to the Guinness Book of Records, the largest predatory shark ever living is Carcharodon megalodon, which was about 16 meters long and possibly 2 meters wide.

Now let's go directly to the list of the largest sharks in the world that can be found in the waters of the world's oceans.

The largest sharks in the world

Great whale shark

The whale shark is the largest and heaviest shark in existence because it weighs over 21 tons and is over 12 meters long. These mammals live in the open ocean and warm waters. Basically, these predators feed on plankton, but sometimes they can be found while hunting for larger fish. Whale sharks are not threatened with extinction, since their population is large enough.

The heaviest whale shark ever found weighed about 21,000 kg. But the longest is 12.19 meters.

Giant shark

This shark is in second place in our ranking. They inhabit the temperate and warm oceans of the world. These giants are friendly enough and never observe divers. Giant sharks feed on plankton and small fish. This mammalian species is the heaviest in British waters.

The average weight of this shark of this species is 14,515 kg, and its length varies from 9 to 11.6 meters.

Great white shark

The great white shark is the largest predatory fish in the world and it feeds on other marine life. If you've seen the movie "Jaws", then you are undoubtedly aware of the fact that these predators do not hesitate to eat "man". But in reality, this fish rarely attacks humans.

Very often, great white sharks can be found in the coastal regions of all oceans. Their average weight is about 3300 kg. By the way, the white shark is also the fastest shark in the world.

Greenland shark

This huge shark lives in the cold waters of the oceans, and their largest population was found in the northern part. Atlantic Ocean, near Greenland and Iceland. This is a deep-sea fish that is not often found, even while diving. Greenland shark meat is poisonous, so they are not used as food.

Its average weight is about 1020 kg. And she is the 4th largest shark in the world.

Tiger shark

This is another type of dangerous and predatory shark that is eaten by all types of marine animals. It is considered the most dangerous to humans because they often attack humans. This shark was nicknamed "tiger" because of the stripes on its body, thanks to which it looks like the color of tigers. It is found in all oceans and especially where there are warm waters... Average weight tiger sharks is about 939 kilograms.

Hammerhead shark

Hammerhead sharks inhabit the shores of all oceans and some large seas... Despite the fact that this dangerous predator, they very rarely attack humans. Scientists say hammerhead sharks are critically endangered.

This shark species is famous for its beautiful fins and hammer-like head shape. Also, because of their appearance Hammerhead sharks are considered by many to be the strangest marine life.

The average weight of these predators is about 844 kg.

Sixgill shark

The sixgill shark is also one of the largest sharks in the world. These predators feed on various types of marine life. Sixgill sharks are found in almost all oceans, especially in Pacific... These predators reach a length of about 5.5 m, and their average weight is about 590 kg.

Gray sand shark

The gray sand shark is one of the few species of non-aggressive shark. They live in different parts our planet, from this and has many names. But most often it is called the "common sand shark". This species feeds on most marine life as well as some other smaller sharks.

The gray sand shark is set to be its beautiful external appearance, especially many people enjoy watching these predators swim in the waters of the oceans.

The average weight of this species is about 556 kg.

Shark-mako

Moco sharks are in ninth place on our list of the largest sharks in the world. This is very rare view sharks and they are endangered. Some researchers claim that moco is one of the most intelligent marine animals.

The average weight of mocha sharks is 544 kg.

Fox shark

This is the last shark species in our ranking. Mostly fox shark found in waters in temperate and warm oceans, especially in the Quiet. He doesn't attack people. This is very important species sharks, since mankind uses their livers for the production of medicines. The average weight of these predators is about 500 kg.

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Family: Cetornidae = Giant Sharks

Genus: Cetorhinus = Giant Sharks

Elephant Shark = Giant Shark

L.A. BELOVA

In the winter of 1939, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, near the town of Provincetown in American state Massachusetts, a sea-bleached skeleton of a huge animal was found. Its length was about 7.5 m. And although the huge skull resembled the skull of a fish, four truncated legs, or rather "bones" from them, and a long elongated spine caused bewilderment. Soon there was talk of the "sea serpent" all over the coast.

But, as it turned out, ske years this belonged to the giant shark (Cetorhinus maximus) - the second largest surviving shark. In length, this fish can reach 14 m and weigh up to 10 tons. This is only slightly less than that of the "record holder" - whale shark(Rhincodon typus). The pectoral fins of a giant shark are large and powerful - they serve as "supporting planes" that do not allow the heavy front half of the fish's body to sink down during swimming. When dead body As a giant shark is thrown ashore and soft tissues decompose, the remains of these fins remain next to the oblong skull and long spine. And if it was a male shark, then a couple of meter pterygopodia can also be found near the skeleton. As a result, it seems that the remains of some mysterious four-legged are lying on the shore.

Very large specimens of a giant shark are rare, but even "small" specimens of this species look impressive - their average length 4–8 m, and weight - from 3 to 6 tons. Despite its frightening appearance, giant shark- a harmless creature. This fish feeds on plankton, which collects, cruising at the surface of the water at a speed of two to three knots (3-5 km / h) with a wide open mouth and filtering through the gills every hour up to 2000, and according to other sources - up to 6000 tons of water. The teeth of a giant shark are small, no more than 0.5 cm. But the gill slits are huge - they cover the head from the dorsal side to the throat, and when the fish protrudes the gills, it seems that its head is about to break off from the body. And through the open mouth you can see the inside of the branchial cavity. Each branchial arch carries 1000-1300 long horny branchials chicks on which planktonic organisms settle. The stomach of a giant shark is very large - in large specimens, about 1 ton of plankton mass was found in it.

In some juveniles of the giant shark, the snout compressed from the sides hangs over the mouth like a trunk, and the head is flattened on the sides, which makes the fish look like an old elephant with sunken cheeks. Such fish are called "elephant shark", and they have long been considered representatives of a separate kind... In adult giant sharks, the snout is less bent, and the resemblance to an elephant disappears.

The giant shark lives in moderately cold and temperate waters of both hemispheres. Individual specimens are also found here - off the coast of the Kola Peninsula and even in the White Sea. In summer, giant sharks actively feed or drift slowly, protruding their dorsal and caudal fins, as well as the tip of their snouts, out of the water. For this, the British call them basking shark - a shark basking in the sun. These fish keep singly or in small groups.

Almost nothing is known about the breeding of the giant shark. The smallest ever caught fish of this species had a length of 165 cm. According to indirect data, it can be judged that these sharks are ovoviviparous and give birth to 1-2 cubs, and the "pregnancy" lasts at least 3 years.

In winter, when the number of planktonic organisms decreases and the water temperature becomes low, giant sharks are almost invisible. Many researchers believe that during this time, the energy consumption for swimming to collect plankton would be much higher than the shark could get from food. Therefore, these fish are probably inactive during the winter, which allows them to economically use the fat reserves accumulated in the summer. They lie passively on the ocean floor in such a position that the current ensures the flow of water through the gills. But what is actually the case is not known - maybe the fish just migrate to the south and stay far from the coast.

Fat reserves are deposited mainly in the liver, the weight of which can be up to 20% of total weight fishes. Because of this fat, which was used for technical purposes, giant sharks have long been hunted along the Atlantic coast of Europe. Seeing an animal grazing in the plankton fields, the hunters would approach it in boats or small boats and pelted it with harpoons. When it became known that shark liver oil contains more vitamins than the classic "fish oil" - cod, the demand for giant sharks increased dramatically. Especially a lot of sharks were hunted during World War II. Then the boom passed, but the stocks of these amazing fish were undermined. Now the giant shark is rare and is listed in the International Red Book ...

At the word "giant" most of people represent either huge diplodocus, or a mammoth from " Ice age". Another option is not excluded - eucalyptus and baobabs. However, there are many more creatures whose size can 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: they suffer large quantity people than from crocodiles and sharks), it is difficult to believe that their closest relatives are sea whales. Even though they came ashore, hippos are still utterly loyal 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 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 "flandre" and collie

This medium-sized dog breed of game rabbit 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 engraving early XIX 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 proof of its existence was the imprints from suckers the size of a plate on the bodies of sperm whales. However, in 2004, Japanese researchers managed to photograph a living giant squid in his habitat.

"Flying" stingray in shallow water

This majestic stingray, nicknamed " sea ​​devil", Can have a wingspan of up to eight meters. Moreover, manta rays can easily jump out of the water for several meters. Unfortunately, this beautiful sight can only be seen on the high seas and only during the breeding season.

Old white shark on the hunt

it sea ​​monster is the largest and most aggressive fish from the living (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

it cute creature feels comfortable at home and increasingly becomes 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 be up to eight meters in length. Some species of pythons can surpass the anaconda in size, but do not surpass 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. Combed crocodile can be found in 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 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 fur seal

In fact, killer whales are not whales. They are the most major representatives family of dolphins. They have high intelligence and live in large families.

Female sperm whale with cub

These huge whales are the largest predators on the planet. In addition, sperm whales have the most big brain... 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 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 ostriches to win in two categories: 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. Salamander in 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 internal organs v traditional medicine.

The bear is looking for food in the polar winter

Despite the seeming "plushness" polar bears- 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 destroying elephants in 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. And among the living there may be unknown giants, about whom we will definitely learn.