Arctic
Blue Whale
Blue Whale
Scientific Name
Balaenoptera musculus
Weight LB
200,000–400,000 lbs
Average Life Span
80-90 years
Fact
A Blue Whale's tongue alone weighs as much as an entire elephant, and its heart is the size of a bumper car.
Weight KG
90,000–180,000 kg
Continent
Asia
Type
Mammals
Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale
Scientific Name
Megaptera novaeangliae
Weight LB
55,000–66,000 lb
Average Life Span
45–50 years (though some may live up to 80–90)
Fact
Humpbacks are famous for their extraordinarily long pectoral fins, which can reach up to 16 feet (5 meters) in length—about one-third of their total body length. The scientific name Megaptera actually means "big-winged."
Weight KG
25,000–30,000 kg
Type
Mammals
Orca
Orca
Scientific Name
Orcinus orca
Weight LB
6,000–12,000 lb (Up to 22,000 lb for large males)
Average Life Span
30–50 years (Wild males); 50–80 years (Wild females)
Fact
Orcas are among the most socially complex animals on the planet. They live in matrilineal pods led by the oldest female, and each pod has its own unique culture. This includes a specific "dialect" of vocalizations and specialized hunting techniques passed down through generations. Some pods specialize in eating fish, while others—known as "transient" orcas—hunt large mammals like seals, dolphins, and even the calves of Great Blue Whales.
Weight KG
2,700–5,400 kg (Up to 10,000 kg for large males)
Type
Mammals
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Scientific Name
Falco peregrinus
Weight LB
1.5–3.3 lb
Average Life Span
12–15 years (Wild); up to 25 years (Captivity)
Fact
The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on the planet. During its signature hunting dive, called a "stoop," it soars to a great height and then plummets at speeds of over 200 mph (320 km/h).
Weight KG
0.7–1.5 kg
Type
Birds
Pigeon
Pigeon
Scientific Name
Columba livia
Weight LB
9 to 13 ounces
Average Life Span
3-5 years
Fact
Pigeons are the world's oldest domesticated bird. They have been used for thousands of years as messengers, even receiving medals of honor for saving lives during WWI and WWII!
Weight KG
250 to 370 grams
Country
United States
Continent
North America
Type
Birds
Polar Bear
Polar Bear
Scientific Name
Ursus maritimus
Weight LB
330–550 lb (Female); 770–1,500 lb (Male)
Average Life Span
15–20 years (Wild); up to 30+ years (Captivity)
Fact
Despite their snowy appearance, Polar Bears are not actually white. Their long outer guard hairs are translucent and hollow, reflecting visible light to provide camouflage in the ice. Beneath that thick coat, their skin is jet black. This black skin is an evolutionary marvel designed to absorb as much heat as possible from the sun's rays to keep the bear warm in temperatures that can drop to $-34$°C.
Weight KG
150–250 kg (Female); 350–700 kg (Male)
Continent
North America
Type
Mammals