The Biggest Hearts in the Animal Kingdom
Blue Whales: The Heart of the Matter
Imagine a heart the size of a small car, weighing in at a whopping 400 pounds – that's the heart of a blue whale, the largest heart in the animal kingdom. As the gentle giants of the ocean, blue whales boast not only the biggest hearts but also the most incredible circulatory systems.
Size, Speed, and Shape
The blue whale's heart is a marvel of engineering. It's about 5 feet long and 4 feet wide, with a chamber large enough for a human to crawl inside. The heart rate is remarkably slow, ranging from 5 to 10 beats per minute – a testament to its efficiency.
Function: A Pumping Giant
This massive heart serves a crucial function in powering the blue whale's colossal body. It pumps a staggering 14,000 gallons of blood through the animal's body with each beat, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach every corner of its massive frame.
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