Mammals are a special class of vertebrate animals that differ from others in that they feed their young with milk. Biologists have come to the conclusion that currently 5500 modern species are known.
Animals live everywhere. Their appearance is quite diverse, but in general it corresponds to a four-legged building plan. It is worth noting that mammals adapt to life in completely different habitats.
They also play a rather large role in human life and activity. Many act as food, and some are actively used as laboratory tests.
Here is a list of the 10 largest mammals on Earth (Australia and other continents): carnivores and herbivores of the world.
List
- 10. American manatee, up to 600 kg
- 9. Polar bear, 1 t
- 8. Giraffe, up to 1.2 t
- 7. Bison, 1.27 t
- 6. White rhino, 4 t
- 5. Hippo, 4 t
- 4. Southern elephant seal 5.8 t
- 3. Killer whale, 7 t
- 2. African elephant, 7 t
- 1. Blue whale, 200 t
10. American manatee, up to 600 kg
American manatee - This is a fairly large animal that lives in the water. Its average length is about 3 meters, although some individuals reach 4.5.
Each baby just born can weigh about 30 kilograms. Young individuals are painted in dark blue tones, while adults are bluish-gray. It is worth noting that these mammals are a bit like fur seals.
Adapted to life only in water. You can meet in the shallow waters of the Atlantic coast, North, as well as Central and South America.
It can calmly live in both salt and fresh water. For normal living, he needs only 1 - 2 meters of depth. It is worth noting that basically these animals prefer a solitary lifestyle, but sometimes they can still gather in large groups. They feed mainly on grassy vegetation that grows at the bottom.
9. Polar bear, 1 t
Polar bear - This is one of the amazing predators on our planet. Currently referred to as an endangered species. Very often they call him "umka" or "polar bear". Prefers to live in the North and eat fish.
It is worth noting that the polar bear sometimes attacks a person. Many see him in the territory where walruses and seals live.
Interesting fact: he owes his large size to a distant ancestor who died out many years ago. It was a giant polar bear, which was about 4 meters long.
Polar bears are distinguished by large fur, which protects them from severe frosts and makes them feel great in cold water. It can be both white and slightly greenish.
In addition to the fact that the bear is still a clumsy animal, it is able to travel long distances - up to 7 km per day.
8. Giraffe, up to 1.2 t
Giraffe - This is an animal that belongs to the order of artiodactyls. Everyone knows him because of the large and unusually long neck.
Due to the large growth, the load on the circulatory system also increases. Their heart is quite large. About 60 liters of blood passes per minute. The giraffe's body is quite muscular.
Few people know that they have rather sharp eyesight, as well as hearing and smell, this helps them to hide from the enemy in advance. He can see his relatives for a few more kilometers.
In most cases, lives in Africa. In the 20th century, their numbers decreased significantly. Currently can be seen in nature reserves. Giraffes have always been considered completely grassy animals. Most prefer - acacia.
7. Bison, 1.27 t
Buffalo - This is one of the amazing animals that lives on our planet. It has always been a very large, powerful and incredibly beautiful grassy mammal. In appearance, they are often confused with bison.
In most cases, lives in North America. After the onset of the ice age, their population increased significantly. There were excellent conditions for their existence and reproduction.
It is worth noting that scientists came to the conclusion that it was from the European bison that bison were formed. The appearance of this animal is impressive. Their head is quite large and powerful, they have sharp horns.
The color of the coat is mainly brown or dark gray. The bison feeds on moss, grass, branches, lush green foliage.
6. White rhino, 4 t
White rhino considered one of the largest representatives of this family. Currently, the habitat is significantly reduced. Can be seen in South Africa as well as in Zimbabwe.
The rhino species was first discovered in 1903. A rather large role in conservation was played by the Murchison Falls National Park. It is worth noting that these mammals prefer to live in small groups. Their rhythm of life depends on the weather.
In sunny weather, they prefer to hide in the shade of trees, and at normal temperatures they can graze most of their day in the pasture.
Unfortunately, Europeans once hunted these animals heavily. They believed that there was a miraculous power in their horns. This is what led to a reduction in their numbers.
5. Hippo, 4 t
hippopotamus - This is a mammal that belongs to the order of pigs. Mostly prefer a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Very rarely go on land, only for feeding.
They live in Africa, Sahara, the Middle East. Despite the fact that the animal is quite well known, little has been studied. Previously used as food in African Americans. Many were bred as livestock.
4. Southern elephant seal 5.8 t
Sea Elephant considered a true seal without ears. These are pretty amazing creatures about which not much is known.
A deep-sea diver and traveler who loves long distances. The amazing thing is that during childbirth they gather all in one place.
It is worth noting that such a name was received because of its inflatable snouts, which look like the trunk of an elephant. It can now be found in the North Pacific.
Elephants are considered carnivores. They can eat fish, squid and many cephalopods perfectly. Most spend in the water, and go ashore for only a few months.
3. Killer whale, 7 t
Killer whale known to almost everyone - this is a mammal that lives in the sea. This name appeared in the 18th century. You can see in the waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
The shape of the spots on their body is purely individual in nature, which allows us to identify their identification. It is worth noting that, for example, in the waters of the Pacific Ocean you can meet completely white or black individuals. In 1972, scientists revealed that they can hear well. Their range is from 5 to 30 kHz.
Killer whale is considered a predatory animal. It feeds on fish, as well as shellfish.
2. African elephant, 7 t
African elephant considered one of the largest mammals on Earth. He lives on land. His strength and power always aroused special interest and admiration in people.
Indeed, it has huge dimensions - it reaches almost 5 meters in height and weighs about 7 tons. Animals have a large massive body and a small tail.
You can meet in the Congo, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and other places. He eats grass. Recently, scientists have come to the conclusion that elephants are very fond of peanuts. Those who live in captivity willingly use it.
1. Blue whale, 200 t
Blue whale - This is one of the largest mammals on our planet. It has long been proven that he came from land artiodactyls.
For the first time this name was given to him in 1694. For a long time, animals were not studied at all, because scientists had no idea how they looked. The skin of the blue whale is gray with spots.
You can meet completely in different parts of the world. Numerous live in the southern and northern hemispheres. It feeds mainly on plankton, fish and squid.