- 10/19/2024
Biggest Animal Body Parts in The World
Category
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AnimalsTranscript
00:00Ever seen a bat with wings stretching up to 5 feet, larger than its own body?
00:06Or a creature whose tongue can shoot out to a length double its body size, reaching up
00:11to 20 inches?
00:13How about animals with legs that make up half their height, towering over 30 inches tall?
00:20In today's amazing episode of Forever Green, we will see 13 incredible animals that have
00:26body parts larger than their entire body.
00:31And just when you think you've seen it all, we'll introduce you to a beetle whose neck
00:35can be up to three times the length of its body, used in both battles and romance.
00:42So get ready, hit that subscribe button, and let's dive in.
00:4613.
00:52Flying Fox
00:54In the warm, humid air of tropical islands across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the
01:00shape of the Flying Fox cuts an impressive figure against the twilight sky.
01:06This is no ordinary bat, it is one of the largest in the world with a wingspan that
01:11can stretch up to 5 feet.
01:15To put that into perspective, that's about as long as a standard kitchen counter.
01:21The Flying Fox, with its fox-like face and large eyes, is equipped with wings that are
01:27vast, thin sheets of skin stretching between elongated fingers.
01:33These wings are not just large compared to its body, which is about a foot in length
01:38from head to tail, they are essential for its survival, enabling it to travel great
01:44distances in search of fruit, its primary food source.
01:49As they glide from tree to tree under the cover of night, these creatures are not just
01:54searching for food, they're also crucial pollinators and seed dispersers for their
02:00ecosystems.
02:01It's a heavy responsibility, and maybe that's why they look so serious all the time.
02:08But don't let their stern faces fool you, they're really the gardeners of the night,
02:12helping to maintain the health of their tropical homes.
02:1712. Hercules Beetle
02:21The Hercules Beetle, one of the largest of all beetles, commands attention not just for
02:27its size, but for its extraordinary horn.
02:32This horn, which grows from the beetle's head and curves like a warrior's helmet, can be
02:37nearly as long as its body, reaching up to 7 inches in males, which makes the beetle
02:44almost twice as long when you include this impressive armor.
02:48It is found in the humid rainforests of Central and South America, and the remarkable creature
02:54roams the underbrush and climbs in the high canopies.
02:58The sight of a Hercules Beetle using its horn in battles with rivals can be a spectacle
03:03straight out of an ancient coliseum.
03:07The males use these gigantic horns to compete for territory and mating rights, flipping
03:12their opponents over with a swift, practiced movement that would make any wrestler proud.
03:19Just imagine a tiny gladiator with the strength and armor to back up its bold challenges.
03:26Hercules beetles are actually quite vulnerable during their larval stage, which can last
03:31up to two years.
03:33During this time, they are just large grubs hidden away under logs, growing and preparing
03:39for their transformation into the titans of the treetops.
03:4411.
03:46Queen Alexandra's Birdwing In the lush, tropical rainforests of Papua
03:52New Guinea, a magnificent spectacle of nature flutters high above the canopy.
03:59Meet the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing, the largest butterfly in the world.
04:04With a wingspan that stretches nearly a foot across, it is a giant in the world of butterflies,
04:12with females reaching up to 12 inches from wingtip to wingtip.
04:17This wingspan is not just impressive, it's larger than many birds that share its habitat.
04:25The grandeur of the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing isn't just in its size, but also in its vibrant
04:32colors.
04:34Males boast a brilliant electric blue and green on their wings, while females are decorated
04:40with creamy white and earthy brown tones, highlighted with bold tangerine.
04:46If butterflies had fashion shows, the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing would surely be the star
04:52of the runway.
04:53If there was a contest for high-flyers in the butterfly world, the Queen Alexandra's
04:58Birdwing would not just participate, it would soar above the competition, quite literally.
05:04Despite their size and striking appearance, these butterflies start their journey as tiny
05:10eggs that are no bigger than peas.
05:13From these humble beginnings, they transform into caterpillars and then into one of the
05:19most majestic creatures on Earth.
05:2210.
05:23Tube-lipped Nectar Bat In the mysterious empires of the Ecuadorian
05:30cloud forests, a tiny aviator performs a nightly ballet that is as vital as it is wondrous.
05:39This is the Tube-lipped Nectar Bat, a creature whose most astonishing feature defies what
05:45we might expect from such a small body.
05:48The bat itself is modest in size, with a body length of only about 2 to 2.5 inches.
05:56However, it's the bat's tongue that steals the show.
06:00It can extend to a length of over 3 inches, longer than its entire body.
06:06This incredible tongue, coiled up inside its body when not in use, is designed to delve
06:12deep into certain flowers whose nectar is unreachable to other pollinators.
06:18Picture this, a gymnast performing an intricate ribbon routine.
06:22The bat's tongue unfurls with a similar grace and precision, dipping into flowers
06:27to extract their sweet offerings.
06:31Its extraordinary tongue allows it to access exclusive floral resources, making it an essential
06:37pollinator in its ecosystem.
06:40The bat navigates through the night using echolocation, darting between trees and flowers
06:46with the agility and acuity that only a nocturnal navigator could master.
06:52The Tube-lipped Nectar Bat was only discovered in 2005, just a small reminder of how much
06:58mystery still shrouds our planet.
07:029.
07:04Barnacle
07:07Step onto any rocky seashore or pier at the exterior of a ship and you may discover one
07:13of the ocean's more simple residents, the barnacle.
07:18These small but mighty creatures are far more attractive than their static, rugged exteriors
07:24suggest.
07:25Typically, barnacles measure just a few centimeters in diameter, but what stands out is not their
07:32compact shell, but rather their feeding appendages, or seri, which can stretch out significantly
07:40longer than their body to sweep the ocean water for plankton.
07:44However, a second feature is not only unexpected but is also record-breaking.
07:52Their penis is the largest body part relative to body size in all of the animal kingdom.
07:59Their penis can extend up to eight times the length of their body, enabling them to reach
08:05out to potential mates nearby.
08:09Barnacles are found attached to various surfaces in marine environments worldwide, from the
08:15icy waters of the Arctic to the mild currents of the tropics.
08:20Their ability to adhere to surfaces so effectively makes them both a marvel and a nuisance in
08:26maritime contexts.
08:28Imagine if you could glue yourself to your favorite coffee shop seat and never leave.
08:34Pelicans have essentially done this with their chosen spots in the sea.
08:398.
08:41Pelican
08:44Now turn your gaze to the active coasts and quiet lakes where pelicans thrive.
08:51Famous for their large, bucket-like bills, which can stretch up to 18 inches long, pelicans
08:56have a built-in fishing tool that is unlike any other.
09:01This pouch is not just for show, it is a highly efficient net capable of scooping up
09:07several pounds of fish in a single dive.
09:11Pelicans are found in many parts of the world, including the shores of North America, primarily
09:16near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and seashores.
09:21When a pelican spots a school of fish from above, it dives beak-first into the water,
09:27its throat pouch expanding to trap the fish and water.
09:32After surfacing, it drains the water out of the sides of its bill, swallowing the fish
09:38whole.
09:39Beyond their fishing prowess, pelicans are also social birds.
09:44Often seen flying in formations or floating in groups, their interactions are a dance
09:49of survival and elegance in the aquatic landscapes they inhabit.
09:55Pelicans have been around for over 30 million years, adapting and thriving through ages
10:01of environmental changes, which speaks volumes about their resilience and adaptability.
10:087.
10:10Green Iguana
10:13High in the treetops of Central and South America, a striking figure basks in the sun,
10:20its vibrant green scales almost glowing against the lush foliage.
10:26This is the Green Iguana, a reptile that is as much a part of the forest canopy as the
10:33branches upon which it lies.
10:35One of its most remarkable features is its tail, which can grow up to twice the length
10:40of its body.
10:42For an iguana that measures about 5 to 7 feet from nose to tail tip, the tail alone can
10:49be around 3 to 4 feet long.
10:52The Green Iguana's elongated tail is not just for show, it serves as a powerful tool
10:58for survival.
11:00It acts as a fifth limb, helping the iguana balance as it navigates the slender branches
11:06high above the ground.
11:08Imagine trying to walk a tightrope using only your legs.
11:12Now think about how much easier it would be with the help of an extra hand.
11:18That's how the iguana uses its tail, swinging and balancing with a grace that belies its
11:23awkward bumpy body.
11:26Green iguanas are excellent swimmers, using their tails to propel through water, which
11:31surprises many who consider them strictly tree-dwelling.
11:34Step into the shallow waters of the world's vibrant wetlands, from the Caribbean islands
11:45to the salty lakes of Africa, and you'll find the Flamingo, an avian ballet dancer
11:51poised on pillars.
11:54These iconic birds boast legs that can reach up to 30 inches long, which is often greater
12:00than their entire body length from beak to tail.
12:04The Flamingo's long slender legs do more than just support its elegant movements.
12:09They're crucial for walking deeper into waters where other birds can't reach, allowing
12:15them to access a diet rich in algae and crustaceans that gives them their famous pink hue.
12:23These legs aren't just functional, they elevate the Flamingo, quite literally, above the competition,
12:30ensuring that it thrives in its niche where fewer predators dare step.
12:35The attractive part about these birds is their adaptation to an upside-down feeding style.
12:42Their large downward-bending beaks are uniquely evolved to filter food from the water while
12:48their heads are inverted, an eating style as unusual as their appearance.
12:545.
12:55Jerboa
12:56In the vast springs of dry lands, from the sandy expanses of North Africa to the barren
13:05deserts of Asia, the Jerboa makes its home.
13:09This remarkable little creature, part of the rodent family, captivates all who discover
13:15it, not just for its kangaroo-like bouncing, but for one striking feature, its tail.
13:23Often longer than its body, the tail can measure up to 10 inches, providing a plain contrast
13:29to its small 2 to 6-inch body length.
13:32Some Jerboas have hind legs that can be up to 4 inches long, while their bodies often
13:38measure just around 2 to 4 inches without the tail.
13:43These extraordinary legs serve a crucial purpose.
13:46Like a ballet dancer on stage, the Jerboa uses these powerful limbs to perform impressive
13:52leaps and bounds.
13:54The Jerboa uses its tail much like a rudder or balancing pole, helping to navigate and
14:00stabilize as it performs its spectacular leaps across the sand.
14:06It's this ability, to jump multiple times its body length, that allows the Jerboa to
14:11avoid predators in a habitat where hiding places are few and far between.
14:17Jerboas are known for their ability to survive without direct water sources.
14:22They derive all the moisture they need from the food they eat.
14:284.
14:29Gorilla
14:32In the mist-covered forests of Central Africa, the gorilla commands respect with its challenging
14:38presence.
14:40Known as the gentle giants of the forest, gorillas are distinguished not only by their
14:45size but by their impressive arms.
14:49These arms can stretch up to 8.5 feet in wingspan, often exceeding their standing height by a
14:57good margin, which averages around 5.5 to 6 feet for adult males.
15:02The gorilla's muscular arms are a key adaptation to their arboreal lifestyle, allowing them
15:08to climb and forage with ease.
15:12These arms are not just for locomotion, they play a vital role in gorilla communication,
15:18with displays of strength such as beating their chests to declare dominance as well
15:23as to prevent threats without resorting to actual conflict.
15:29This shows their preference for peace and stability within their community.
15:34Living primarily in the dense rainforests and mountainous regions of countries like
15:39Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorillas have a diet that is predominantly
15:45herbivorous, consisting mainly of leaves, shoots, and fruit.
15:50Their lifestyle is a delicate balance between tranquility and the powerful assertion of
15:55their physical prowess, reflecting an evolutionary path that has favored brute strength alongside
16:02social complexity and emotional depth.
16:073.
16:09Albatross Imagine a bird whose wings, once expanded,
16:15stretch wider than most cars are long.
16:18The albatross, an iconic figure of the oceanic world, boasts a wingspan that can reach up
16:25to 11 feet.
16:28This is not just any wing, it's a wingspan that allows these birds to undertake some
16:33of the most impressive migrations known to any creature, spending years at sea without
16:40touching land.
16:42Welcoming from the vast open waters of the southern and north Pacific oceans, the albatross
16:48uses its colossal wingspan to glide over the ocean with minimal effort.
16:54The secret to their long flight lies in their ability to ride the wind currents, conserving
16:59energy by barely flapping their wings.
17:03What's even more fascinating is their social nature.
17:08Albatrosses are known to form lifelong bonds with their partners, showcasing elaborate
17:13courtship dances that reaffirm their commitments.
17:16The albatross calls the breezy expanses of the Southern Ocean and North Pacific its home,
17:23riding the wind currents that sweep these remote waters.
17:26It spends most of its life at sea, coming to land only to breed on scattered islands
17:32where it can nest in relative isolation from predators.
17:362.
17:38Giraffe Weevil The giraffe weevil, named for its unusually
17:44long neck, presents one of nature's more imaginative designs.
17:50This beetle's neck, which is particularly elongated in males, can be up to three times
17:57the length of its body, serving as a crucial tool in both war and romance.
18:03As you walk through the dense greenery, you might catch a glimpse of these red and black
18:07beetles, with males using their elongated necks to battle rivals or to impress females
18:14by rolling leaves into tubes where females can lay their eggs.
18:18It's a bit like watching a miniature construction crew at work, only the workers are all wearing
18:24fancy neckties.
18:26Giraffe weevils are quite small, typically measuring just over an inch in length.
18:32Their life, though compact, is filled with intricate behaviors and roles in their ecosystem,
18:38from aiding in the decomposition of plant material to engaging in complex mating rituals.
18:45So next time you think about nature's architects, remember the giraffe weevil, small in size
18:51but grand in the scope of its daily endeavors, all carried out with a neck that's made
18:57for more than just looking good.
19:001.
19:02The Maine Dwarf The Maine Dwarf, a creature of considerable
19:07elegance and mystery, stands out not just for its striking appearance, but for its unusually
19:14long legs.
19:16These aren't just any legs, they're so long that they make up about half of the animal's
19:22body height, which can reach up to 35 inches at the shoulder.
19:27This means the legs themselves can be over 30 inches tall, almost 3 feet of pure limb.
19:35These towering legs give the Maine Dwarf a height advantage that is crucial for survival.
19:41It allows it to peer over the tall grasses for hunting prey and spotting threats.
19:47More than just for looking, these long legs help the Maine Dwarf to cover large distances
19:52easily, an essential trait for an animal that travels the expansive territories of
19:58Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.
20:02But the Maine Dwarf is full of surprises.
20:06Despite its name and fearsome appearance, it is neither a true wolf nor a fox, but belongs
20:13to its own unique genus, chrysosyne.
20:17This means golden dog, which hints at its beautiful reddish coat.
20:22And while you might expect it to be a fierce carnivore, the Maine Dwarf has a diet that's
20:28unusually varied, with a love for fruits and vegetables making up a significant part of
20:34its meals.
20:35Thanks for joining us on this fascinating journey.
20:38If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more amazing discoveries.
20:44Stay curious, and we'll see you next time on Forever Green.
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