Nature is so arranged that its existence depends on multiple interconnected elements. Take away one link, and the whole chain cannot exist. Not the last place is occupied by the food chain in this complex natural system.
At the top of the food chain are predators, and in the modern fauna of 15 families of predatory animals, there are approximately 270 species that have spread throughout the planet. Among all species of predatory animals, we consider the largest representatives, and find out what is the largest predator among both land inhabitants and those living in the waters of the ocean. Do not forget about those who hunt from above.
Land predators
To begin with, we find out which is the largest predator that hunts on the earth’s surface, but sometimes does not mind eating those who live in the water.
Tiger
These graceful beauties are rather large and dangerous predators, because it is not for nothing that their specific name comes from the ancient Greek word meaning “sharp, dangerous”.
Large feline animals live in the Asian region, and today they can be found in 16 countries. For example, in the Far Eastern taiga, the Amur tiger is the largest and most dangerous predator.
Unfortunately, uncontrolled hunting, reduction of habitat has led to the fact that tigers are on the verge of extinction, and now the whole world community is taking measures to preserve these amazing inhabitants of the globe.
Kodiak
The bear, which lives mainly on the islands of the Kodiak archipelago off the coast of Alaska, is one of the largest predators on earth.
Meet in the wild with an animal, whose growth at the withers reaches 1.7 meters, is a real threat to humans. For a long time, hunting for a brown bear in Alaska led to a sharp reduction in their population; from the beginning of the 40s of the last century, hunting was taken under control and set a limit.
Kodiaks live one by one, controlling each of their territories with daily rounds, and in winter hibernate. People rarely attack, but it is better to avoid meeting this beast in the wild.
We have also prepared for you on our site thebiggest.ru an interesting article about the largest bears in the world.
Polar bear
But the closest relative of brown bears, the polar bear, is by far the largest land predator that actively hunts both on ice and in water.
Their habitat, they chose the white expanses of the Arctic, where they skillfully hunt for coastal and marine animals. In addition, these bears are the most powerful predators on earth, able to cope with large prey. It is his power and strength that is sung by the peoples of the north in many legends of fairy tales, and in some he still remains a totem animal.
Repeatedly, there are cases when polar bears attack people. It is under the protection of environmental organizations, and February 27 even celebrates the International Polar Bear Day.
Crocodiles
Inhabitants of African rivers and reservoirs of America and Asia hunt both in water and on land. They belong to a large detachment of reptiles, and represent a mortal danger.
They grow quite large, for example, a Nile crocodile can reach a length of 6 meters, but on average individuals from 4 to 5 meters are found. But the biggest one is combed crocodiles, or, as it is also called sea crocodile.
Among all animals, they are distinguished by a massive mouth and a very strong bite. Recent studies by paleontologists and zoologists prove that they are also one of the oldest inhabitants of our planet, which appeared about 83 million years ago.
We also have an article about the largest crocodiles in the world, we highly recommend it.
Marine predators
And now directly those who hunt the vast expanses of the seas and oceans.
Great White Shark
This shark is the largest predatory fish, because it feeds only on other inhabitants of the seas and oceans. Among other sharks, it is distinguished by a very aggressive character, and is most dangerous for people in the coastal zone.
They are found in all the oceans of the earth, both in open water and in coastal zones. They hunt in a special way. While searching for food, they can raise their heads above the water, and in order to share the prey they do not fight among themselves, but solve the dispute with the help of peculiar rituals.
It is noteworthy, but freedom-loving and aggressive fish, absolutely can not live in captivity, and many caught individuals died in 10 days.
If you are interested in these animals, TheBiggest.ru wrote an article about the largest sharks in the world.
Sperm whale
This is the largest marine predator of the cetacean order, because adult individuals reach 20 meters in length, and weigh almost 50 tons.
The largest marine predator lives in all the oceans of the planet, and can dive to a depth of 3 kilometers, and is under water for up to an hour and a half. They feed on many marine life, including large squid.
Herd animals, accustomed to living in a group, and only old males swim alone in the middle of the ocean. People are never attacked, but there have been cases when a person himself provoked the attack of this large animal during a ruthless hunt.
You can also read our material about the largest mammals in the world, to which the sperm whale belongs.
Predator birds
In the description of the largest predators of the planet, it is worth mentioning those that fly high in the sky, looking for their prey on the surface of the earth.
Andean Condor
Nesting high in the Andean mountains, this condor is the largest bird of prey that feeds on carrion, but can attack living mountain dwellings.
Condor travels long distances in search of food, and soaring high in the sky is a bewitching and delightful sight. This is the largest flying bird on the continents of the Western Hemisphere, the wingspan of the condor reaches more than 3 meters.
They take off very hard from the ground, and prefer to relax on the slopes of rocks, from which it is easy to take off.
Great Gray Owl
But in an extensive squad of owls, the owl is the largest bird with an unusual and mysterious name, growing up to 90 centimeters.
With a wingspan of one and a half meters, it hunts at night and nests in taiga regions, but ornithologists met them in other natural zones. Information from biology shows that this beauty preys on rodents, sometimes squirrels become victims.
Like all owls, the owl has large round eyes. But under the beak there is a small black speck, for which the bird was called the bearded.
Battle eagle
The birds of prey of the hawk family are represented by a large species of war eagles that live in Africa. Basically, they can be found in the open spaces south of the Sahara.
The bird has a very interesting feather color, wings and back are dark brown, but the belly is completely white. These eagles live in pairs, and control large areas.
In flight, it can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. The scale of the largest studied bird of this species reached 230 centimeters, but the maximum weight has not been fully studied.
Fossil predators
In conclusion, let us recall those who inhabited our planet millions of years ago, and with their size and aggressive disposition terrified everyone around them.
Tarbosaurus
The largest dinosaur Tarbosaurus was the largest predator of the time in the world. These giant lizards lived, growing up to 12 meters in length 85-60 million years ago.
Their remains were discovered in 1946 in the territories of Mongolia and China, and scientists, having restored their appearance through bones, called it a "terrifying lizard."
Zavroposeidon
But the largest animal in the entire history of the Earth Zavroposeidon, despite its enormous size, was a herbivore, and could become easy prey for predators.
These giants lived in the middle of the Cretaceous, about 125 million years ago. As paleontologists found out, they grew up to 20 meters in height, and since they loved to live near ponds, they were named after the God of the seas.
As you can see, in any natural environment there are predators, and even among tiny insects, there are those who are not averse to feasting on a fellow, or “drinking blood” of other living creatures.
Article author: Valery Skiba