The animal with the largest mammary glands (breasts) is the blue whale.
Blue Whale Mammary Glands
The blue whale, despite its enormous size, has relatively small mammary glands compared to its body. Here's a breakdown:
- Size: A blue whale's breast is about 5 feet long.
- Weight: They weigh approximately 250 pounds, equivalent to the weight of a baby elephant.
- Function: These inverted breasts only become prominent when stimulated by a newborn whale.
- Milk Delivery: The milk is forcefully ejected or "thrown" at the baby whale.
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Animal | Blue Whale |
| Size of Breast | Approximately 5 feet long |
| Weight of Breast | 250 pounds, equivalent to a baby elephant |
| Milk Release | Only when stimulated by a newborn, the milk is forcefully "thrown" at them |
Why Are They Considered the Largest?
While they may not appear large compared to the whale's overall size, the sheer scale of these mammary glands—both in length and weight—is unparalleled among all animals. This is what leads them to be known as the largest in the world. It's also worth noting that unlike land mammals, blue whale breasts remain retracted until needed for nursing, making them appear even less prominent when not in use.
