What is the Largest Animal That Ever Lived?

The largest mammal that ever lived, and is still living, is the blue whale. The blue whale is far larger than any discovered dinosaur. The average life span of the whale is 35 to 40 years, but if they weren't hunted, the life span increases to about 80 years.

More Giant Creature Facts:

• The largest recorded blue whale weighed in at 376,990 pounds (171,000 kilograms) and measured more than 90 feet (27 meters) long. The longest recorded blue whale topped 110 feet (33 meters) long.


• The blue whale's heart alone is larger than a small car and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (453 kilograms).


• The largest living land animal is the African Bush Elephant, weighing in at 27,000 pounds (12,247 kilograms).


• The largest known dinosaur is the Sauropoda, which measured 38 feet (12 meters) tall and likely weighed between 66,139 and 132,277 pounds (30,000 and 60,000 kilograms).


• Though not an animal, the largest organism by area is a fungus called a honey mushroom, of the species Armillaria ostoyae. Measuring 2,200 acres (8.9 square kilometers), it currently resides in Oregon at the Malheur National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth?

The Blue Whale holds the title for the largest animal to have ever lived on Earth. These marine mammals can grow up to 100 feet in length and weigh as much as 200 tons. Their heart alone can weigh as much as a car, and their tongue can weigh as much as an elephant, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

How does the Blue Whale's size compare to the largest dinosaurs?

While dinosaurs like Argentinosaurus and Patagotitan were immense, the Blue Whale surpasses them in size. The largest dinosaurs are estimated to have weighed around 100 tons, which is only half the weight of the heaviest Blue Whales. The Blue Whale's length also exceeds that of the longest known dinosaurs.

Are there any animals alive today that come close to the size of a Blue Whale?

No other living animal comes close to the size of the Blue Whale. The second-largest living animal, the Fin Whale, can reach lengths of up to 90 feet, but it is significantly lighter in weight. The largest land animal, the African Elephant, is dwarfed by the Blue Whale, with a maximum weight of about 6 to 7 tons.

What factors contribute to the Blue Whale's massive size?

The Blue Whale's size is largely attributed to its aquatic lifestyle, which supports its massive weight and allows for greater size due to buoyancy. Additionally, their diet of tiny krill, which is abundant in the ocean, provides enough sustenance to fuel their growth. Evolutionary adaptations have also enabled efficient oxygen storage for deep dives and long feeding sessions.

How many Blue Whales are left in the world today?

Blue Whale populations were severely depleted due to whaling in the 20th century, but conservation efforts have helped their numbers to slowly recover. According to the International Whaling Commission, it's estimated that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 Blue Whales worldwide, which is only a fraction of their pre-whaling population.

Can I see a Blue Whale in the wild?

Yes, it is possible to see Blue Whales in the wild, particularly off the coasts of California, Mexico, and in the waters around Iceland, Sri Lanka, and the Azores. Whale-watching tours are available in these areas, especially during migration seasons, offering a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.