The world's largest heart belongs to the blue whale.
Here's a breakdown of why and some fascinating facts:
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Size and Weight: A blue whale's heart can weigh around 400 pounds (approximately 180 kilograms). That's about the same weight as 35 cans of gallon paint!
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Proportion: While 400 pounds sounds enormous, the heart only makes up about 1% of a blue whale's total body weight. This is due to the sheer immensity of the whale, which is supported by the buoyancy of water.
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Function: This massive heart is essential for pumping blood throughout the blue whale's huge body, ensuring oxygen reaches all its tissues. A blue whale's heart rate is incredibly slow, especially when diving.
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Comparable Size: To get a sense of the size, imagine a heart roughly the size of a small car!
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Animal | Blue Whale |
| Heart Weight | Approximately 400 pounds (180 kg) |
| Heart Size | Roughly the size of a small car |
| Proportion | About 1% of total body weight |
| Key Function | Pumping blood throughout the massive body |
In conclusion, the blue whale possesses the world's largest heart, a vital organ that supports its incredible size and aquatic lifestyle.
