The Animal Kingdom cover art

The Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom

By: Alex Anderson
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 The Animal Kingdom🦓
Species of all types have evolved over the centuries to be just to the right height for their needs—and for animals like the giraffe and brown bear, that ideal height is quite lofty.
In some cases, the height seems driven by a need for reaching the protein-rich leaves that are higher in trees. In others, outrunning predators led to animals evolving to have longer legs. Alternative explanations for height include heat dispersal in more tropical climates, room for the efficient digestion of large amounts of vegetation, and more.
Copyright Alex Anderson
Episodes
  • Eight Tallest Animal In The World

    Eight Tallest Animal In The World
    Nov 6 2025
    Here are the eight tallest animals in the world.1of 8Giraffegroup of three giraffes gazing out at Africa savannahMost of giraffes' height comes from their necks.StanislavBeloglazov / ShutterstockStanding between 14 and 19 feet, these leggy and lovable giants are the tallest land mammals on the planet. Sure, most of their height (up to eight feet of it, to be exact) is in the neck, but a giraffe's legs can also average about six feet, easily outgrowing the average human.The giraffe's size is a significant advantage. Between its height, good eyesight, and strong kicks, these animals aren't often brought down, even by lions. As a result, they can live 10 to 15 years in the wild.215 Facts You Might Not Know About Giraffes2of 8African Bush Elephantelephant with tusks walking in the African savannahElephants are plenty big and pretty tall, too.Peter Fodor / ShutterstockNext to the giraffe in terms of height is the elephant, specifically the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana). Males of this species have a shoulder height of 10.5 to 13 feet.3 The bush elephant's nearest relative, the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), is between seven and eight feet at the shoulder.Given the overall size of bush elephants—weighing, on average, roughly 13,500 pounds—they're even more difficult to prey on than giraffes. Lions attempt to hunt younger elephants, but they don't have much success. Still, the IUCN lists the species as endangered because of poaching and the loss of habitat to agricultural land.413 Fascinating Facts About Elephants3of 8Ostrichsingle adult ostrich running in the sand outsideOstriches aren't Big Bird from 'Sesame Street' tall, but they're tall.paula french / ShutterstockOstriches are among the most recognizable birds. With their long necks and legs, adults stand between seven and 10 feet tall. The ostrich's long legs allow it to run at speeds up to 45 mph.5 Only cheetahs are fast enough to keep up with these big birds.Ostriches dig holes in the dirt to bury their eggs, and they have to lower their necks to turn the eggs with their beaks. From far away, it can look as if they're putting their heads in the sand.11 Compelling Ostrich Facts4of 8Brown Bearlarge brown bear standing on hind legs in brown meadowIf you think bears are intimidating on all fours, wait until they stand upright.NancyS / ShutterstockBrown bears (Ursus arctos) are a variable lot with many subspecies. Called grizzly bears in North America, they are among the largest carnivores on the planet. On all fours, they stand about five feet at the shoulder. Once they're up on their hind legs, though, they stand at eight to nine feet tall.6Brown bears occupy a range of habitats across North America and Eurasia. Despite extinction in some locales, the IUCN lists the species as one of least concern everywhere except the Mediterranean, where it's vulnerable. The pockets that struggle are mostly threatened by habitat destruction and poaching.8 Amazing Facts About Grizzly Bears5of 8Alaskan MooseAmerican Moose with large horns walks through forestMoose are the largest of the deer species.David Drake / ShutterstockThe Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) is a mighty herbivore of Alaska and the Yukon.7 Males reach 7.5 feet in height at the shoulder, and that's before you add the neck, head, and antlers.Moose are vegetarians and can consume up to 70 pounds of food a day. Their height makes grazing on short grasses and plants difficult. Instead, they choose bushes and taller grasses. They're also excellent swimmers because of their appetite for water plants, a source of sodium.6of 8Dromedary Cameldromedary camel stands alone in desert sands against blue skyStand tall in the desert, camels.Wolfgang Zwanzger / ShutterstockOne-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius), also called Arabian or dromedary camels, are the tallest of the camel species.8 Males reach about 5.9 to 6.6 feet at shoulder height, a measurement that does not include a good portion of the hump. The size of the hump varies depending on whether the camel is using the fat reserves contained within for sustenance.Despite their impressive stature, dromedary camels are extinct in the wild and have been for almost 2,000 years. Today, this camel is semi-domesticated, meaning it may wander in the wild but usually under the watchful eye of a herdsman.7of 8Shire HorseShire horse standing in grass field with braided maneShire horses are the tallest horses.Marina Kondratenko / ShutterstockHorses, despite their generally gentle nature, can be intimidating in size. This factor is especially true for the Shire horse, a breed descended from the English "great horse," which was used by men in full armor hundreds of years ago. The Shire horse is sturdy and powerful.The Shire horse averages about 17 hands, or five feet, seven inches tall at the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades). When you add the neck and head, which will vary in size, you have one tall animal.8of 8American BisonMale...
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    3 mins
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