The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) has the biggest lungs in the world.
Blue whales, being the largest animals on Earth, possess truly massive lungs to support their immense size and energy demands in the aquatic environment. Their lungs have a combined capacity of approximately 5,000 liters (or about 1,320 gallons) of air. This enormous lung capacity allows them to remain submerged for extended periods while hunting for krill in the deep ocean. The efficient oxygen absorption is vital for their survival, enabling them to dive deep and resurface less frequently.
Here's a breakdown:
- Animal: Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
- Approximate Lung Capacity: 5,000 liters (1,320 gallons)
The sheer size and efficiency of the blue whale's respiratory system are testaments to the remarkable adaptations of marine mammals.
