This article compares and contrasts blue whales and elephants to determine which is the largest mammal. Blue whales are the largest animals on the planet, growing up to 100 feet in length and weighing up to 200 tons. Elephants, on the other hand, are the largest land animal, growing up to 13 feet in height and weighing between 5-14 tons. Blue whales have a streamlined body with a U-shaped head, while elephants have rough, wrinkled grey skin with large ears and a long trunk. Both have unique characteristics, but blue whales are by far the largest creature.

Introduction

The world of animals is fascinating, and when it comes to the largest mammal, the blue whale and elephant always come to mind. These two magnificent creatures are the largest animal in their respective environments, that is, sea and land. This article will compare and contrast blue whales and elephants to determine which is the largest creature.

Body

Size and Weight

The size and weight of blue whales and elephants are staggering. Blue whales are the largest animals on the planet and can grow up to 100 feet in length and weigh as much as 200 tons. In contrast, elephants are the largest land animal and can grow up to 13 feet in height and weigh between 5-14 tons.

Appearance

Blue whales have a streamlined body with a slate blue back, white belly and fins, and a wide U-shaped head that houses a massive mouth. On the other hand, elephants have a gray skin that is rough and wrinkled, with large ears and a long trunk that has two finger-like projections.

Habitat

Blue whales are found in all the oceans across the world, spending most of their time in tropical and temperate waters. They migrate to cooler waters in the summer and can dive to depth of up to 1,000 feet. Elephants are found in different parts of the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. They thrive in savannahs and forests, with a group of elephants referred to as herds.

Diet

Blue whales feed on krill, a small shrimp-like animal, and can consume as much as 400,000 pounds in a single day. Elephants are herbivores and eat plants such as grass, leaves, and bark. They consume about 300 pounds of food in a day.

Life Span

Blue whales have a lifespan of about 70-90 years, and females tend to live longer than males. In contrast, elephants have a lifespan of about 60-70 years, with females living longer than males as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, comparing blue whales and elephants is difficult, given they are from different environments. That said, blue whales are the largest animal on the planet, and elephants are the largest animal on land. Both animals have unique characteristics that make them fascinating creatures, from their diet to their appearance. However, it’s safe to say that the blue whale is by far the largest creature, and it’s hard to imagine an animal eclipsing its size anytime soon.