A mammal is a type of vertebrate animal that is characterized by the presence of mammary glands, which produce milk for nursing their young. Mammals also have hair or fur on their bodies, a four-chambered heart, and a neocortex region in the brain which is responsible for advanced cognitive functions.
Other features that are common to most mammals include a diaphragm for breathing, three middle ear bones, and a lower jaw made up of a single bone. Mammals come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be found in virtually every ecosystem on Earth, from the oceans to the deserts to the polar regions.
![5 largest mammals in the world, based on average size or weight](https://www.theyouth.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot_1-4.jpg)
Examples of mammals include humans, dogs, cats, horses, whales, dolphins, bats, and many more. Now, in this article, we will now take a look at the five largest mammals in the world based on average size or weight.
The five largest mammals in the world, based on average size or weight, are:
- Blue whale – The blue whale is the largest mammal on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet and weighing as much as 200 tons.
- African elephant – The African elephant is the largest land mammal, with males weighing up to 14,000 pounds and standing up to 13 feet tall.
- Hippopotamus – The hippopotamus is one of the largest mammals in Africa, with males weighing up to 4,400 pounds and standing up to 5 feet tall.
- Giraffe – The giraffe is the tallest mammal in the world, with males reaching heights of up to 18 feet.
- Brown bear – The brown bear is the largest land carnivore, with males weighing up to 1,500 pounds and standing up to 9 feet tall.