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{{short description|List of largest organisms on Earth}}
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], considered by some measures to be the world's largest living thing.]]
] is a clonal colony of an individual ] with an interconnected root system. It is widely held to be the world's most massive single organism.]]
], similar in appearance to the one known as ].]]
The '''largest organism''' found on earth can be measured using a variety of methods. It could be defined as the largest by ], ], ], or ]. Some creatures group together to form a ], though this cannot truly be classed as one large organism. (The ], the world's largest ] (stretching 2,000 km) has been shown to be a collection of many organisms and is the largest known ]{{Fact|date=March 2008}}.) This article lists the '''largest ]''' for various types of life and mostly considers ] species,{{efn|The organism sizes listed are frequently considered "outsized" and are not in the normal size range for the respective group.}} which found on Earth can be determined according to various aspects of an organism's size, such as: mass, volume, area, length, height, or even ]. Some organisms group together to form a ] (such as ]s or ]s), but such are not classed as single large organisms. The ] is the world's largest structure composed of living entities, stretching {{convert|2,000|km|mi|abbr=on}} but contains many organisms of many types of species.


When considering singular entities, the largest organisms are ] which can spread over large areas. ], a clonal colony of the ], is widely considered to be the largest such organism by mass.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.zmescience.com/other/science-abc/heaviest-organism-pando-aspen/|title = The Heaviest Living Organism in the World|date = 9 February 2015|access-date = 10 February 2016|website = ZME Science|last = Mihai|first = Andrei}}</ref> Even if such colonies are excluded, ] retain their dominance of this listing, with the ] being the most massive tree.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Giant Sequoia National Monument|url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/home/?cid=stelprdb5394941|website=Sequoia National Forest|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture - Forest service|access-date=10 February 2016}}</ref> In 2006, a huge ] of the ] '']'' was discovered south of the island of ]. At {{convert|8|km|0}} across, and estimated at 100,000 years old,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/view/1152-20|title=Portuguese scientists discover world's oldest living organism|website=www.theportugalnews.com|access-date=2019-02-14|archive-date=2019-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119070051/http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/view/1152-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> it may be one of the largest and ] clonal colonies on Earth.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/news/2006/monster_plant_280506_i.htm|title= Ibiza's Monster Marine Plant|access-date= 2007-05-09|work=Ibiza Spotlight|date= 28 May 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060827123801/http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/news/2006/monster_plant_280506_i.htm|archive-date= 27 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pearlman |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/9066393/Ancient-seagrass-Oldest-living-thing-on-earth-discovered-in-Mediterranean-Sea.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207170657/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/9066393/Ancient-seagrass-Oldest-living-thing-on-earth-discovered-in-Mediterranean-Sea.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 February 2012 |title='Oldest living thing on earth' discovered |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=7 February 2012 |access-date=11 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Arnaud-Haond|first=Sophie|author2=Duarte, Carlos M. |author3=Diaz-Almela, Elena |author4=Marbà, Núria |author5=Sintes, Tomas |author6=Serrão, Ester A. |author7=Bruun, Hans Henrik |title=Implications of Extreme Life Span in Clonal Organisms: Millenary Clones in Meadows of the Threatened Seagrass ''Posidonia oceanica''|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=7|issue=2|pages=e30454|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0030454|pmid=22312426|pmc=3270012|bibcode=2012PLoSO...730454A|year=2012|doi-access=free}}</ref>
The ] tree (''Populus tremuloides'') forms large ] of genetically identical trees (technically, stems) connected by a single underground ]. These trees form through root sprouts coming off an original parent tree, though the root system may not remain a single unit in all specimens. The largest known fully-connected Aspen is a grove in Utah nicknamed ], and some experts call it the largest<ref name=oecd>, ] (.doc file)</ref> organism in the world, by mass or volume.<ref> by the ] ]</ref> It covers .43&nbsp;km² (106 ]s) and is estimated to weigh {{convert|6600|ST|t}}. <ref></ref>


Among ], the largest species are all ]s, specifically ]. The ] is believed to be the largest animal to have ever lived.<ref name="NYT-20240229">{{cite news |last=Zimmer |first=Carl |authorlink=Carl Zimmer |title=Researchers Dispute Claim That Ancient Whale Was Heaviest Animal Ever - A new study argues that Perucetus, an ancient whale species, was certainly big, but not as big as today's blue whales. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/29/science/giant-whale-perucetus.html |date=29 February 2024 |work=] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240229131654/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/29/science/giant-whale-perucetus.html |archivedate=29 February 2024 |accessdate=3 March 2024 }}</ref> The living land animal classification is also dominated by ], with the ] being the largest of these.
A giant fungus of the species '']'' (Honey Mushrooms) in the ] in ] was found to span 8.9&nbsp;km² (2,200&nbsp;]s)<ref name=UW> at the University of Wisconsin, Department of Botany. Accessed ] ].</ref>, which would make it the largest organism by area. Whether or not this is an actual individual organism, however, is disputed: some tests have indicated that they have the same ]tic makeup <ref name=ABCfungus>Beale, Bob. ] ]. at Environment & Nature News, ABC Online. Accessed ] ].</ref>, but unless its ] is fully connected, it is a ] of numerous smaller individuals. Another clonal colony that rivals the '']'' and the '']'' colonies in size is a strand of the giant marine plant, '']'', discovered in the ] near the ]. It covers a band roughly 8&nbsp;km (4.3&nbsp;miles) in length.<ref name=seagrass>. ''Ibiza Spotlight'', ] 2006.</ref>


==Plants==
Excluding multi-stem trees, the ], an individual ] ] with a volume of 1487&nbsp;], would hold the title of the world's largest living ], if measured in ].<ref name=NPS> at the ]. Accessed ] ].</ref> This tree stands 83.8&nbsp;m (274&nbsp;ft 11&nbsp;]) tall and the trunk alone is estimated to weigh over 2,000&nbsp;tons. The largest single-stem tree ever measured was the “Lindsey Creek Tree,” a ] with a minimum trunk volume of over 2,500&nbsp;] and a mass of over 3,600&nbsp;tons, which fell over during a storm in 1905.<ref></ref>
{{main|List of largest plants}}
The largest single-stem tree by wood volume and mass is the ] (''Sequoiadendron giganteum''), native to Sierra Nevada and California; it typically grows to a height of {{convert|70|-|85|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} and {{convert|5|-|7|m|ft|abbr=on}} in diameter.


The largest organism in the world, according to mass, is the ] whose colonies of clones can grow up to {{convert|5|mi|km|order=flip|0}} in size. The largest such colony is ], in the ] in Utah.
By volume and weight, the largest known living ] is the ], an ] whose official record length is 33.58&nbsp;m (110&nbsp;ft 2 in), and weight 210&nbsp;tons (for a pregnant female). The largest land animals today are ] ]s; one known example weighed roughly 12,272&nbsp;kg (27,000&nbsp;]), although some ] species, including many ]s, were much larger.


A form of flowering plant that far exceeds Pando as the largest organism on Earth in area and potentially also mass, is the giant marine plant, '']'', living in ], Australia. Its length is about {{convert|180|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} and it covers an area of {{convert|200|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/01/what-the-hell-australian-scientists-discover-biggest-plant-on-earth-off-wa-coast | title=Scientists discover 'biggest plant on Earth' off Western Australian coast | website=] | date=31 May 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Edgeloe |first1=Jane M. |last2=Severn-Ellis |first2=Anita A. |last3=Bayer |first3=Philipp E. |last4=Mehravi |first4=Shaghayegh |last5=Breed |first5=Martin F. |last6=Krauss |first6=Siegfried L. |last7=Batley |first7=Jacqueline |last8=Kendrick |first8=Gary A. |last9=Sinclair |first9=Elizabeth A. |date=2022-06-08 |title=Extensive polyploid clonality was a successful strategy for seagrass to expand into a newly submerged environment |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences |volume=289 |issue=1976 |pages=20220538 |doi=10.1098/rspb.2022.0538|pmid=35642363 |pmc=9156900 |s2cid=249204370 }}</ref> It is also among the ].
==Vertebrates==
===Mammals===
] is the largest known animal in the world.]]
A member of the order ], the ] (''Balaenoptera musculus'') is believed to be the largest ] to have ever lived. The maximum recorded weight was 190&nbsp;]s (209 tons) for a specimen measuring 30&nbsp;m (100 ft) in length, while longer ones, up to 33.3&nbsp;m (110&nbsp;ft), have been recorded but not weighed.


Another giant marine plant of the genus '']'', '']'' discovered in the Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands, Spain may be the ] organism in the world, with an estimated age of 100,000 years.<ref name=seagrass> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226063158/http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/news/2006/monster_plant_280506_i.htm |date=2007-12-26 }}. ''Ibiza Spotlight'' (2006-05-28).</ref>
The ] (''Loxodonta africana''), of the order ], is the largest living land animal. At ] it is common for an elephant calf to weigh 100&nbsp;kg (225&nbsp;lb). The largest elephant ever recorded was shot in ] in 1974. It was a male and weighed 12,272&nbsp;kg or 13.5&nbsp;tons (27,000&nbsp;lb), with an overall length (trunk to tail) of 10.6&nbsp;m (35&nbsp;ft) and a shoulder height of 4.2&nbsp;m (13.7&nbsp;ft).


The largest individual flower in the world is '']'', while the ] with the largest unbranched ] in the world is ''].'' Both are native to ] in ].
*'''Monotreme mammals''' (Monotremata). The largest extant monotreme is the ] weighing up to 16.5&nbsp;kg (36.4&nbsp;lb) and measuring 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) long.<ref><http://rarestzoo.blogspot.com/2006/07/long-beaked-echidna.html></ref> The largest ] (]-bearing mammal) ever was the extinct ] species '']'', known only from a few ]s found in ]. It was the size of a sheep, weighing probably up to 100&nbsp;kg (220&nbsp;lb).
*'''Marsupials''' (Marsupialia). The ] (''Macropus rufus'') is the largest living ]. The maximum size of these lanky mammals is 100&nbsp;kg (220&nbsp;lb) and 1.92&nbsp;m (6.3&nbsp;ft) tall.<ref><http://www.helium.com/items/891104-kangaroo-largest-species-kangaroos></ref> Many much larger marsupials existed prehistorically, the largest of which was '']''. This rhino-sized herbivore would have easily exceed 2 tonnes (4,400&nbsp;lb), 3.3&nbsp;m (11&nbsp;ft) in length and 1.83&nbsp;m (6&nbsp;ft) in height. The ] is the largest living carnivorous marsupial. The maximum size of these stocky mammals is 10&nbsp;kg (22.2&nbsp;lb) and 91&nbsp;cm (3&nbsp;ft) long. The largest ever carnivorous marsupial to exist would have been the ] and the ] both ranging from {{convert|5|ft|m|abbr=on}} to 6&nbsp;ft long and weighing between 100&nbsp;kg to 160&nbsp;kg.
*'''Non-Paenungulate Afrotherians''' (Afroinsectiphilia). The largest species of this clade (which also contains elephant shrews, tenrecs and golden moles) is the ]. Aardvarks are typically up to 1.3 m in length with a weight of up to 65 kg, although individuals as large as 100 kg (220 lb) are recorded.<ref></ref>
], the largest living terrestrial animal.]]
*'''Even-toed Ungulates''' (Artiodactyla). The largest species in terms of weight is the ] (''Hippopotamus amphibius''), reaching a maximum size of 4,500 kg (10,000 lb), 4.8&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft) long and 1.66&nbsp;m (5.5&nbsp;ft) tall.<ref></ref> The longest-bodied species, and tallest of all living land animals, is the ] (''Giraffa camelopardalis''), measuring up to 5.8&nbsp;m (19.3&nbsp;ft), and despite being relatively slender, reaching a top weight of 2,000&nbsp;kg (4,850&nbsp;lb).<ref></ref>
*'''Carnivores''' (Carnivora). The largest species is now, with the inclusion of the ], the ] (''Mirounga leonina'') from the ] family. The top size recorded for this species was 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) and 6.9 m (22.5 ft) long. The largest living land carnivores are the ] (''Ursus maritimus'') and the ] (''Ursus arctos''), both from the ] family and both exceptionally exceeding 1 tonne (2,205&nbsp;lb), 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) long, and 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder. The extinct ] (''Arctodus simus'') was the biggest land carnivore with an average weight of 900 kg (2,000 lb){{Fact|date=August 2008}}. The largest living member of the ] family is the ] (''Panthera tigris × Panthera leo''), with the largest recorded size being 798 kg (1,756 lb){{Fact|date=June 2008}}, and a length of 3.05 m (10 ft). The largest tiger subspecies, the ] (''Panthera tigris altaica''), has an average weight of around 227 kg (500 lb) for males, but can reach around 272-306 kg (600-675 lb) and weights up to 384 kg (845 lb) are unconfirmed. Even larger were the extinct ] (''Panthera leo atrox'') and the '']'', a saber-toothed cat.
*'''Whales''' (Cetacea). The largest whale and animal is the aforementioned blue whale, a ] (Mysticeti). The largest toothed whale (Odontoceti) is the ], bulls of which range usually range up to 18 metres (59.5 ft) and a mass of 50&nbsp;tonnes (55 tons), but may possibly grow considerably larger. The ] or Killer Whale (''Orcinus orca'') is the largest species of the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae). Males normally grow from 6.5-8 m long (20-25 ft) and weigh in excess of 6 tonnes; it has been reported that especially large males have reached nearer 8 tonnes. Females are smaller, growing from 5.7-7m (18-22 ft) and a weight of about 5 tonnes. The longest Orca ever recorded was a male off the coast of Japan, measuring 9.8 m (32 ft).
* '''Bats''' (Chiroptera). The largest ] species is the ] (''Acerodon jubatus''), a rare ] and ] that is part of the ] family. The maximum size is believed to approach 1.5&nbsp;kg (3.3&nbsp;lb), 55&nbsp;cm (22&nbsp;in) long, and the wingspan may be almost 1.8&nbsp;m (6&nbsp;ft). The ] (''Vampyrum spectrum''), averaging 168 grams (6 oz), 13.5 cm (5.3 in) and about 80 cm (32 in), is believed to be the largest carnivorous bat, belonging to the ] family.
*'''Armadillos''' (Cingulata). The extant giant of this group is the ] (''Priodontes maximus''). The top size for this species is 60&nbsp;kg (132&nbsp;lb) and 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) in length. Much larger prehistoric examples are known, especially '']'', which easily topped 2.7&nbsp;m (9&nbsp;ft) and 2 tonnes (4,400&nbsp;lb).
*'''Colugos''' (Dermoptera). Of the two ] species in the order ''Dermoptera'' of gliding arboreal mammals in ], the largest and most common is the ] (''Cynocephalus varigatus''). The maximum size is 2&nbsp;kg (4.4&nbsp;lb) and 73&nbsp;cm (29&nbsp;in).
*'''Hedgehogs, Gymnures, Shrews, and Moles''' (Erinaceomorpha & Soricomorpha). The largest of these two orders of small mammals is the ] (''Echinosorex gymnura''), the maximum size of which is over 2&nbsp;kg (4.4&nbsp;lb) and 60&nbsp;cm (24&nbsp;in).
*'''Hyraxes''' (Hyracoidea). The largest species of hyrax seems to be the ] (''Procavia capensis''), at up to 5.4&nbsp;kg (12&nbsp;lb) and 73&nbsp;cm (29&nbsp;in) long.
*'''Rabbits, Hares, & Pikas''' (Lagomorpha). The largest species is the ] (''Lepus europaeus''), which is up to 6.6&nbsp;kg (14.6&nbsp;lb) and 76&nbsp;cm (30&nbsp;in) long.
*'''Odd-toed Ungulates''' (Perissodactyla). The largest extant species is the ] (''Ceratotherium simum''). The largest size this species can attain is 4,500 kg (10,000 lb), 4.7&nbsp;m (15.5&nbsp;ft) long, and 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) tall.<ref name=Now>{{cite web |url = http://196.36.153.129/cms/african-rhino/irie.aspx| title = African Rhinoceros | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-03-19 }}</ref>. It is slightly larger than the ]. The largest land mammal ever was '']'' or ''Indricotherium'' (formerly known as the ''Baluchitherium''), a member of this order. It stood up to 5.5&nbsp;m (18&nbsp;ft) tall, measured over 9&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft) long and may have weighed up to 20&nbsp;tonnes (22&nbsp;tons) though mass estimates vary widely.
*'''Pangolins''' (Pholiodata). The largest species of ] is the ] (''Manis gigantea''), at up to 1.7&nbsp;m (5.8&nbsp;ft) and at least 40&nbsp;kg (88&nbsp;lb).
*'''Anteaters & Sloths''' (Pilosa). The largest species is easily the ] (''Myrmecophaga tridactyla''). A large adult can weigh as much as 65&nbsp;kg (143&nbsp;lb) and measure 2.4&nbsp;m (8&nbsp;ft) in overall length. The ]s attained much larger sizes prehistorically, the largest of which were '']'' which, at an estimated average weight of 4.5&nbsp;tonnes (5&nbsp;tons) and height of 5.1&nbsp;m (17&nbsp;ft), was about the same size as the ].
] is the largest living primate.]]
*'''Primates''' (Primates). The ] (''Gorilla beringei graueri'') is the largest living ]. The maximum size of a male gorilla can be over 225&nbsp;kg (500&nbsp;lb) and 1.83&nbsp;m (6&nbsp;ft) in the wild, with much heavier weights recorded in captivity. '']'' is the largest known primate ever, probably averaged 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) tall and weighing 300 to 550&nbsp;kg (700 to 1,200&nbsp;lb). It lived around 5 million years ago until about 300 thousand years ago in the region of ] and ]. ]s (''Homo sapiens'') can attain massive weights measured in thousands of lb (up to ]), but these are cases of morbid ], tumor, and other medical malady, and enormous heights (up to ]), due to the growth disorder ]. The tallest humans (who have reached heights of at least ] even when not afflicted with gigantism) are the tallest living primates.
* '''Elephants, mammoths, and mastodons''' (Proboscidea). Contrary to popular belief, most extinct species in the order '']'', such as ]s and ]s, did not dwarf the modern ]. The ], standing up to 5&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft) tall, and '']'', which may have surpassed 14&nbsp;tonnes (15.4&nbsp;tons) are generally considered the largest species. However, recent evidence shows that the largest mammoth ever was the ] of India.
*'''Rodents''' (Rodentia). The largest living ] is the ], native to most of the ] and ] parts of ] east of the ], always near water. Full-grown capybaras can reach a top size of 80&nbsp;kg (176&nbsp;lb), 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) long and 90&nbsp;cm (3&nbsp;ft) tall. The largest known rodent ever is '']'', an ] species known only from ]s. It was approximately {{convert|3|m|foot|0}} long and {{convert|1.5|m|foot|0}} tall, and is estimated to have weighed around 1 ].<ref name=Rinderknecht>{{cite journal | laysummary = http://journals.royalsociety.org/content/34j867846u164624/ | title = The largest fossil rodent | doi = 10.1098/rspb.2007.1645 | url = http://journals.royalsociety.org/content/34j867846u164624/fulltext.pdf | format = pdf | last = Rinderknecht | first = Andrés | coauthors = R. Ernesto Blanco | date = ] | journal = Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences | accessdate = 2008-01-16 | volume = 275 | pages = 923}}</ref> Prior to the description of ''J. monesi'', the largest known rodent species was '']''. However, this species is known only from very incomplete remains and so its size cannot be estimated with any precision. An almost complete skeleton of its slightly smaller ] relative '']'' was discovered in ] in 2000; it was 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) long, with an additional 1.5&nbsp;m (5 ft) tail, and probably weighed around 700&nbsp;kg (1,540&nbsp;lb).
*'''Tree Shrews''' (Scadentia). The largest of the tree shrews seems to be the ] (''Tupaia glis''), at up to 187&nbsp;] (6.6&nbsp;]) and 40&nbsp;cm (17&nbsp;in).
*'''Dugongs and manatees''' (Sirenia). The largest living species in the order '']'' of ]s and ]s is the ] (''Trichechus manatus''). The maximum size of this species is 1,590&nbsp;kg (3,500&nbsp;lb) and 4.1&nbsp;m (13.5&nbsp;ft). However, the extinct ] (''Hydrodamalis gigas'') was much larger, growing up to at least 7.9&nbsp;m (26&nbsp;ft) long and weighing up to 11&nbsp;tonnes (12.1&nbsp;tons).


===Green algae===
MOTHER FUCKER!
] are photosynthetic unicellular and multicellular ] that are related to land plants. The ] of the unicellular mermaid's wineglass, '']'', can grow to several inches (perhaps 0.1 to 0.2 m) in length. The fronds of the similarly unicellular, and invasive '']'' can grow up to a foot (0.3 m) long.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}


==Animals==
===Amphibians (''Amphibia'')===
], the largest of the surviving ]s.]] ]
]'' is potentially the largest animal to have walked the earth.]]{{excerpt|Largest animals}}
The largest living ] is the ] (''Andrias davidianus''). The maximum size of this river-dweller is 64&nbsp;kg (140&nbsp;lb) and 1.83&nbsp;m (6&nbsp;ft). Before ]s became the dominant ]s, several giant amphibian-like tetrapods existed. The largest known was the ]-like '']'', which reached a length of 9&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft).
*'''Frogs''' (Anura). Easily the largest member of the largest order of ]s is the ]n ] (''Conraua goliath''). The maximum size of this species is a weight of 3.8&nbsp;kg (8.4&nbsp;lb) and a snout-to-vent length of 35&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;in). The largest of the ]s is the ].
*'''Caecilian''' (Gymnophiana). The largest of the worm-like ] is the ] (''Caecilia thompsoni''), which reaches a length of 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) and can weigh up to about 1&nbsp;kg (2.2&nbsp;lb).


==Fungi==
===Ray-finned bony fish (''Actinopterygii'')===
]''|315x315px]]{{Main|Largest fungal fruit bodies}}
The largest living ] is the ], a member of the order ]. ] have been recorded at sizes as large as a length of nearly 3.6&nbsp;m (12&nbsp;ft), a height of 4.5&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft) from fin to fin and a weight of about 2,273&nbsp;kg (5,000&nbsp;lb). Much larger ] existed prehistorically, the largest ever known having been '']'', of the ] period. Estimates of the size of this fish range from 13.5&nbsp;m (45&nbsp;ft) to 30&nbsp;m (100&nbsp;ft), but a maximum size of 22&nbsp;m (72&nbsp;ft) seems most realistic.
The largest living ] may be a ]<ref name="UW">{{Cite web|title=Armillaria gallica, the humongous fungus humungus. Tom Volk's Fungus of the Month for April 2002|url=http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/apr2002.html|access-date=2022-12-26|website=botit.botany.wisc.edu}}</ref> of the ] '']''.<ref name=BBCfungus>{{Cite web|title=BBC News &#124; SCI/TECH &#124; Fantastic fungus find|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/869808.stm|access-date=2022-12-26|website=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>
] is the largest of the bony fish.]]
A mushroom of this type in the ] in the ] of eastern ], U.S. was found to be the largest fungal colony in the world, spanning {{convert|8.9|km2|acre|abbr=on}} of area.<ref name="UW"/><ref name=ABCfungus>{{Cite web|title=Environment & Nature News - Humungous fungus: world's largest organism? - 10/04/2003|url=https://www.abc.net.au/science/news/enviro/EnviroRepublish_828525.htm|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.abc.net.au}}</ref> This organism is estimated to be 2,400 years old. The fungus was written about in the April 2003 issue of the '']''. If this colony is considered a single organism, then it is the largest known organism in the world by area, and rivals the aspen grove "]" as the known organism with the highest living ]. It is not known, however, whether it is a single organism with all parts of the ] connected.<ref name=ABCfungus/> Approximations of the land area of the Oregon "humongous fungus" are {{convert|3.5|sqmi|sqkm}} ({{convert|2240|acre|ha}}, possibly weighing as much as 35,000 tons as the world's most massive living organism.<ref name="patton">{{cite web |author1=Vince Patton |title=Oregon Humongous Fungus Sets Record As Largest Single Living Organism On Earth (7 minute documentary video)|url=https://www.opb.org/television/programs/ofg/segment/oregon-humongous-fungus/ |publisher=Oregon Field Guide |access-date=23 September 2019 |date=12 February 2015}}</ref>
*'''Sturgeons''' (Acipenseriformes). The largest species is the huge ] (''Huso huso''). The maximum recorded size of this ] species is nearly 7.9&nbsp;m (26&nbsp;ft) and 2,075&nbsp;kg (4,565&nbsp;lb). The ] or Great Siberian Sturgeon has been recorded at 1000&nbsp;kg, making it the largest known ] fish.
*'''Eels''' (Anguilliformes). The largest species, if measured in weight and overall bulk, is the ] (''Conger conger''). The maximum size of this species is 2.87&nbsp;m (9.5&nbsp;ft) and 60.6&nbsp;kg (133.25&nbsp;lb)<ref name="saltwater"> of the International Game Fish Association. </ref>. Getting slightly longer, at up to 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) but never exceeding 36&nbsp;kg (80&nbsp;lb), is the ] (''Gymnothorax javanicus'').
*'''Minnows & allies''' (Atheriniformes). An order best known for its small ] representatives, the largest species is the ] (''Atherinopsis californiensis''). Although it reaches 45&nbsp;cm (18&nbsp;in), it is not known to even reach 450&nbsp;g (1&nbsp;lb).
*'''Grinners''' (Aulopiformes). The largest member of this order is the ] (''Alepisaurus ferox''). Slender, with a huge, dramatic spine, these fish can reach 5.4&nbsp;kg (12&nbsp;lb) and 2.1&nbsp;m (7&nbsp;ft).
*'''Toadfish''' (Batrachoidiformes). The largest ] is the ] (''Batrachoides surinamensis''), reaching a size of up to 2.27&nbsp;kg (5&nbsp;lb) and 58&nbsp;cm (23&nbsp;in).
*'''Flying-fish & allies''' (Beloniformes). The largest member of this order, best known for its members' ability to ] the water and zip through the sky, is the ] (''Tylosurus acus''), a slender fish at up to 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) and a weight of 3.7&nbsp;kg (8.2&nbsp;lb).
*'''Squirrelfish''' (Beryciformes). Best known for their highly ]ous barbs, the ]'s largest representative is the ] (''Sargocentron spiniferum''), at up to 60&nbsp;cm (24&nbsp;in) and 3.5&nbsp;kg (7.7&nbsp;lb).
*'''Characins''' (Characiformes). The largest species is the ] (''Hydrocynus goliath''). The top size of this fish is 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) and 44&nbsp;kg (97&nbsp;lb)<ref name="freshwater"> of the International Game Fish Association. </ref>.
*'''Herring''' (Clupeiformes). The largest ] is probably the ] (''Chirocentrus dorab''). The maximum size of this species has been reported as much as 1.83&nbsp;m (6&nbsp;ft), but these slender fish have never been recorded as exceeding 3.4&nbsp;kg (7.5&nbsp;lb) in weight.
*'''Carp''' (Cypriniformes). The largest species today is probably the ] (''Catlocarpio siamensis''), which reaches a size of as much as 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) and a weight of as much as 300&nbsp;kg (660&nbsp;lb). In centuries past, the ] (''Barbus tor'') was reported to reach similar or even larger proportions, but large specimens are quite rare recently.
*'''Killifish & allies''' (Cyprinodontiformes). The largest species is the ] (''Anableps dowei''), reaching a size of 33&nbsp;cm (13&nbsp;in) and 588&nbsp;g (1.3&nbsp;lb).
*'''Cod''' (Gadiformes). The largest cod species, although it rarely reachs large sizes anymore due to heavy fishing, is the ] (''Gadus morhua''). The maximum recorded size of this species is 2&nbsp;m (6.7&nbsp;ft) long and 96&nbsp;kg (212&nbsp;lb).
*'''Shellears & allies''' (Gonorynchiformes). The well-known ] (''Chanos chanos'') is the largest member of this order. The maximum size is 22.7&nbsp;kg (50&nbsp;lb) and 1.84&nbsp;m (6.1&nbsp;ft) long.
*'''Ribbonfish & allies''' (Lampriformes). The largest member of this small but fascinating order is the ] (''Regalecus glesne''), also the longest ] on earth. Slender and compressed, this fish averages over 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft) long and can weigh 275&nbsp;kg (605&nbsp;lb). One fish was 11.3&nbsp;m (37.3&nbsp;ft) long, but there is a possibility that the oarfish reaches 16&nbsp;m (55&nbsp;ft).
*'''Gars''' (Lepisosteiformes). The largest of the gar, and the largest entirely freshwater fish in ], is the ], ''Atractosteus spatula'', reaching a size of 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) and 127&nbsp;kg (279&nbsp;lb)<ref name="freshwater"/>.
*'''Anglerfish''' (Lophiiformes). The largest of this diverse order is the ] (''Lophius piscatorius''). This big-mouthed fish can attain a size of 58&nbsp;kg (127&nbsp;lb) and a length of 1.9&nbsp;m (6.2&nbsp;ft).
*'''Lanternfish''' (Myctophiformes). The largest of the numerous but small ] is ] (''Gymnoscopelus bolini''), at up to 249&nbsp;g (8.8&nbsp;oz) and 35&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;in).
] is one of the largest species of the ]-like fish.]]
*'''Pearlfish & allies''' (Ophidiiformes). The largest member of this order is the ] (''Lamprogrammus shcherbachevi''). A cuskeel can be nearly 2&nbsp;m (6.7&nbsp;ft) long, but even large fish probably aren't much over 10&nbsp;kg (22&nbsp;lb) since they are quite slender.
*'''Bony-tongued fish''' (Osteoglossiformes). The largest species is the ]n fish usually known as the ], ''Arampaima gigas''. This laterally compressed fish can reach a size of about 3&nbsp;m and a weight of 202&nbsp;kg (455&nbsp;lb).
*'''Perches & allies''' (Perciformes). The title of the largest member of this order, the largest order of all vertebrates, is a matter of some debate. A large ] is the biggest of these fishes, as they are known to exceed even the huge ], ''Thunnus thynnus'', in size. The ], ''Makaira indica'', the ], ''Makaira nigricans'', and the ], ''Makaira mazara'', all reach similar large sizes, at up to 900&nbsp;kg (2,000&nbsp;lb) and 4.7&nbsp;m (15.5&nbsp;ft).
*'''Flatfish''' (Pleuronectiformes). The largest of the well-known and heavily-fished flatfish is the ], ''Hippoglossus stenolepis''. This giant can reach 363&nbsp;kg (800&nbsp;lb) and 2.67&nbsp;m (8.8&nbsp;ft), although fish even approaching this size would be extraordinary these days.
<!-- Deleted image removed: ], the largest species of ].]] -->
*'''Salmon & allies''' (Salmoniformes). The largest species is the ], ''Oncorhynchus tshawytscha''. The maximum size of this fish is 61.4&nbsp;kg (135&nbsp;lb) and 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) long.
*'''Sculpins''' (Scorpaeniformes). Although less venomous than many smaller fish in the same order, the ], ''Erilepis zonifer'', is largest ]. The maximum size is 1.9&nbsp;m (6.2&nbsp;ft) and the weight can be 90&nbsp;kg (200&nbsp;lb).
*'''Catfish''' (Siluriformes). Most authorities now give the crown of the largest ] to the ], ''Pangasianodon gigas''. This huge fish has been recorded at a size of over 2.7&nbsp;m (9&nbsp;ft) and a weight of 293&nbsp;kg (646&nbsp;lb).<ref name="ng_20050629">{{cite news
|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/06/0629_050629_giantcatfish.html
|title=Grizzly Bear-Size Catfish Caught in Thailand
|publisher=] News
|date=2005-06-29
|accessdate=2006-06-29
}}</ref><ref name="msnbc">{{cite news
|url=http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8404622/
|title=Fish whopper: {{convert|646|lb|abbr=on}} a freshwater record
|date=2005-07-01
|accessdate=2006-06-29
}}</ref><ref name="iht">{{cite news
|url=http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file=/articles/2005/08/24/news/fish.php
|title=Hunt for the big fish becomes a race
|author=Mydans, Seth
|publisher=]
|date=2005-08-25
|accessdate=2006-06-29
}}</ref> However, the ], ''Silurus glanis'', may possibly be longer. The largest wels scientifically recorded was 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) and 220&nbsp;kg (484&nbsp;lb).
*'''Bristlemouths''' (Stomiiformes). The largest of the ]s is the ], ''Opostomias micripnus''. The top size of a female of this species is probably over 452&nbsp;g (1&nbsp;lb) and 50&nbsp;cm (20&nbsp;in) long.
*'''Seahorses & allies''' (Syngnathiformes). The largest of this diverse order is the ], ''Fistularia petimba'', reaching a length of 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) and weight of over 4.5&nbsp;kg (10&nbsp;lb).
*'''Dories''' (Zeiformes). The largest species of dory is the ], ''Zeus capensis'', reaching a size of 90&nbsp;cm (36&nbsp;in) and a weight of 20&nbsp;kg (44&nbsp;lb).


A spatial genetic analysis estimated that a specimen of ''Armillaria ostoyae'' growing over {{convert|91|acre|ha}} in northern ], United States weighs 440 ]s (4 x 10<sup>5</sup> kg).<ref name="Anderson">{{Cite journal
===Cartilaginous fish (''Chondrichthyes'')===
| last = Anderson | first = A. |author2=Sand, C. |author3=Petchey, F. |author4=Worthy, T. H.
] and a human.]]
| title = Faunal extinction and human habitation in New Caledonia: Initial results and implications of new research at the Pindai Caves
The largest living ], of the order ], is the ], verified in size at up to 13.6&nbsp;m (45&nbsp;ft) long and 22&nbsp;tons (44,000&nbsp;lb). There are many accounts of larger ]s, but most are probably overestimated.
| journal = Journal of Pacific Archaeology | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 89–109
*'''Ground Sharks''' (Carcharhiniformes). The largest species of this order is the ], ''Galeocerdo cuvier''. This species can attain a weight of at least 1527&nbsp;kg (3,360&nbsp;lb) and length of possibly as much as 6.4&nbsp;m (21&nbsp;ft).
| year = 2010 | hdl = 10289/5404
*'''Mackerel sharks''' (Lamniformes). The largest living species is the ], ''Cetorhinus maximus'', also the second largest ]. The maximum, verified size for this shark is 12.4&nbsp;m (41&nbsp;ft) and weight is 16&nbsp;tonnes (17.6&nbsp;tons). An even larger lamnid, generally regarded as the largest predatory fish ever, is the '']'', a relative of the ]. The top size of this species has probably been exaggerated in the past, but a large '']'' probably reached 16&nbsp;m (52.8&nbsp;ft) and weighed 36&nbsp;tonnes (40&nbsp;tons).
}}</ref><ref name="daley">{{cite web |author1=Jason Daley |title=This humongous fungus is as massive as three blue whales: A new estimate suggests this mushroom is 2,500 years old and weighs 440 tons |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mushroom-massive-three-blue-whales-180970549/ |publisher=Smithsonian.com |access-date=23 September 2019 |date=15 October 2018}}</ref>
], here seen at ], ], is the largest ray.]]
*'''Stingrays & allies''' (Myliobatiformes). Both the largest species of this order and the largest of the rays is the ], ''Manta birostris''. This peaceful leviathan can reach a size of 3&nbsp;tonnes (3.3&nbsp;tons), a "disk" width of 7.6&nbsp;m (25&nbsp;ft) and a length of 5&nbsp;m (16.5&nbsp;ft).
*'''Sawfish''' (Pristiniformes). These little known cartilaginous fish can often reach huge sizes. The largest bulk recorded for a sawfish is for the ], ''Pristis perotteti'', which weighed 2.4&nbsp;tonnes (2.7&nbsp;tons). At this weight, the ] must have measured nearly 9&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft).
*'''Skates''' (Rajiformes). The largest and most diverse order of ]' largest species is the ], ''Rhynchobatus djiddensis''. The top size of the species is 250&nbsp;kg (550&nbsp;lb) and 3.1&nbsp;m (10.2&nbsp;ft).
*'''Dogfish''' (Squaliformes). The largest member of this order is the ], ''Somniosus microcephalus''. This species probably reaches 7.2&nbsp;m (24&nbsp;ft) and large specimens weigh over 1,364&nbsp;kg (3,000&nbsp;lb).
*'''Angelsharks''' (Squatiniformes). The largest of the bottom-dwelling angelsharks is the ], ''Squatina squatina'', attaining a size of 100&nbsp;kg (220&nbsp;lb) and 2.42&nbsp;m (8&nbsp;ft).


In '']'', each individual mushroom (the fruiting body, similar to a flower on a plant) has only a {{convert|5|cm|in|abbr=on}} stipe, and a pileus up to {{convert|12.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} across. There are many other fungi which produce a larger individual size mushroom. The largest known fruiting body of a fungus is a specimen of '']'' (formerly ''Fomitiporia ellipsoidea'') found on ].<ref name=BBCFungalFruitingBody>Walker, Matt. (2011-08-01) . Bbc.co.uk</ref> The fruiting body masses up to {{convert|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=ScienceFruitingBody>{{Cite journal | last1 = Dai | first1 = Y. C. | last2 = Cui | first2 = B. K. | doi = 10.1016/j.funbio.2011.06.008 | title = Fomitiporia ellipsoidea has the largest fruiting body among the fungi | journal = Fungal Biology | volume = 115 | issue = 9 | pages = 813–814 | year = 2011 | pmid = 21872178}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1= Cui|first1= Bao-Kai|last2= Decock|first2= Cony|year= 2013|title= ''Phellinus castanopsidis'' sp. nov (Hymenochaetaceae) from southern China, with preliminary phylogeny based on rDNA sequences|journal=Mycological Progress|volume=12|issue=2|pages= 341–351|doi= 10.1007/s11557-012-0839-5|bibcode= 2013MycPr..12..341C|s2cid= 17570036}}</ref>
==Invertebrates==
===Sponges (''Porifera'')===
Arguably the most primitive form of animals in existence, the largest species of ] is the ], ''Xestospongia muta''. These massively-built ]s can reach 2.42&nbsp;m (8&nbsp;ft) in height and can be of about the same number of feet across the thickest part of the "body".
*'''Calcareous sponges''' (Calcarea). The largest of these small, inconspicuous ]s is probably the species '']'', attaining a height of 30&nbsp;cm (1&nbsp;ft). Most ]s do not exceed 10&nbsp;cm (4&nbsp;in) tall.
*'''Hexactinellid sponges''' (Hexactinellida). A relatively common species, '']'', can reach a height of 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) once they are of a very old age. This is the maximum size recorded for a hexactinellid sponge.


Until ''P. ellipsoideus'' replaced it, the largest individual fruit body came from '']''. ''R. ulmarius'' can grow up to {{convert|284|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, {{convert|1.66|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall, {{convert|1.46|m|ft|abbr=on}} across, and has a circumference of up to {{convert|4.9|m|ft|abbr=on}}.
===Cnidarians (''Cnidaria'')===
The ] is the largest ] species, of the class ]. The largest specimens of this giant can attain a bell diameter of 2.5&nbsp;m (8&nbsp;ft), a weight of 150&nbsp;kg (330&nbsp;lb.) and can possess ]s as long as 40&nbsp;m (120&nbsp;ft) or more.
*'''Corals and sea-anemones''' (Anthozoa). The largest individual species are the ]s of the genus '']'', which can attain a mouth disc diameter of 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft). Longer, but much less massive overall, are the anemones of the genus '']'', at up to 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) tall. Communities of ] can be truly massive, a single colony of the '']'' genus can be over 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft), but the actual individual organisms are quite small.
*'''Box jellyfish''' (Cubozoa). The largest of the ] is the species '']'', which can attain a mass of 6&nbsp;kg (13.2&nbsp;lb in weight), a 30&nbsp;cm (1&nbsp;ft) bell and a ] length up to 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft). This species is also the most common and dangerous box jelly.
*'''Hydrozoans''' (Hydrozoa). The colonial ] '']'' can attain lengths of 40-50&nbsp;m (130-165&nbsp;ft).


===Lichen===
===Flatworms (''Platyhelminthes'')===
'']'' is among the largest lichens in the world. The ] of ''U. mammulata'' is usually {{convert|4|to|15|cm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter, but specimens have been known to reach {{convert|63|cm|ft|adj=on}} in the ] of ].<ref name=Brodo>{{cite book | last = Brodo | first = Irwin | title = Lichens of North America | publisher = Yale University Press | location = New Haven | year = 2001 | isbn = 978-0-300-08249-4 }}</ref>
The largest terrestrial species of this phylum of mostly ]s, called ]s in common language, is the ], ''Bipalium kewense'', of the class ]. This planarian can reach a length of 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft) and is quite massive for a ].
*'''Monogenean flatworms''' (Monogenea). The largest members of this group of very small parasites are among the genus of ]s , '']'', reaching a length of 2&nbsp;cm (0.8&nbsp;in).
*'''Flukes''' (Trematoda). The largest species of ] is '']'', which most often attacking ]s and ]. One of these flukes can be up to 7.5&nbsp;cm (3&nbsp;in) long and 2&nbsp;cm (0.8&nbsp;in) thick.
*'''Tapeworms''' (Cestoda). The largest species of ] is commonly called the ], ''Diphyllobothrium latum'', since they are commonly contracted from eating ]. This devastating parasite has been recorded as reaching a length of 20&nbsp;m (66&nbsp;ft) in the internal organs of a ], and a length of 30&nbsp;m in other hosts<!--I guess, because 30 is listed on tapeworm page?-->.{{Fact|date=May 2007}}


The longest lichen is '']'', which may grow to exceed {{convert|20|feet}} in length.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Usnea longissima'' |url=https://www.lichen.com/bigpix/Ulongissima.html |website=lichen.com |publisher=Lichens of North America |access-date=10 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503045319/https://www.lichen.com/bigpix/Ulongissima.html |archive-date=3 May 2012}}</ref>
===Roundworms (''Nematoda'')===
The largest ], ''Placentonema gigantisma'', is a parasite found in the ]s of sperm whales which can reach up to 9&nbsp;m in length.


==Protists==
===Segmented worms (''Annelida'')===
]'', the largest species of giant kelp|283x283px]]
The largest of the ]s is the ], ''Microchaetus rappi''. This huge worm can reach a length of as much as 6.7&nbsp;m (22&nbsp;ft)<ref></ref> and can weigh over 1.5&nbsp;kg (3.1&nbsp;lb). Only the ], ''Megascolides australis'', and a few giant ]s reach nearly comparable sizes, reaching 4&nbsp;m (13&nbsp;ft) and 3.6&nbsp;m (11.9&nbsp;ft), respectively.
(Note: the group ] is not used in current taxonomy.)


===Echinoderms (''Echinodermata'')=== ===Amoebozoans (])===
:Among the organisms that are not ], the largest are the ]s, such as '']'', some of which can reach a diameter over {{convert|12|in|cm|abbr=on|order=flip}}.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630192009/http://waynesword.palomar.edu/slime1.htm |date=2015-06-30 }}. Waynesword.palomar.edu</ref> These organisms are ], but they are ].
The largest species of ] in terms of bulk is the ] species, '']'', of the class ], which reaches a weight of over 6&nbsp;kg (13.2&nbsp;lb). However, at a maximum span of 63&nbsp;cm (25&nbsp;in), it is quite a bit shorter than some other ]s. The longest-bodied enchinoderm is the brisingid ] '']'', reaching a span of 1.4&nbsp;m (4.5&nbsp;ft), despite being quite slender.
*'''Crinoids''' (Crinoidea). The largest species of ] is the ], ''Heliometra glacialis'', reaching a total width of 78&nbsp;cm (31&nbsp;in) and an individual arm length of 35&nbsp;cm (14 &nbsp;in). In the past, crinoids grew much larger, and stalk lengths up to 40&nbsp;m (130&nbsp;ft) have been found in the fossil record. <ref>{{cite book
| last = Ponsonby
| first = Dr. David
| coauthors = Prof. George Dussart
| title = The Anatomy of the Sea
| publisher =Raincoast Books
| year = 2005
| location = Vancouver
| pages = 129
| isbn = 0-8118-4633-4}}</ref>
*'''Sea-urchins & allies''' (Echinoidea). The largest ] is the species '']'', which can reach a shell width of 33&nbsp;cm (13&nbsp;in).
*'''Sea-cucumbers''' (Holothuroidea). The bulkiest species of ] is '']'', weighing several pounds, being about 21&nbsp;cm (8.3&nbsp;in) in diameter, and reaching a length of 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) when fully extended. Species of ] in the genus '']'' can reach an extended length of 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft), but are extremely slender.
*'''Brittle stars''' (Ophiuroidea). The largest known specimen of ] is '']''. This species can measure 70&nbsp;cm (28&nbsp;in) in arm length and has a disk diameter of about 14.3&nbsp;cm (5.63&nbsp;in).


===Ribbon worms (''Nemertea'')=== ===Euglenozoans (])===
:Some ]s, such as certain species of '']'', reach lengths of 400 ].<ref name = ProtistServer>
The largest ], and the longest extant animal, is the ], ''Lineus longissimus''. A specimen found washed ashore on a beach in ], ] in 1864 was recorded at a length of 55&nbsp;m (180&nbsp;ft).<ref>] 1995. ''The Guinness Book of Animal Records''. Guinness Publishing. p. 232.</ref>
{{cite web
|title = Protist Images: Euglena gigas
|work = Protist Information Server
|year = 2004
|url = http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/PDB/Images/Mastigophora/Euglena/gigas/index.html}}</ref>


===Molluscs (''Mollusca'')=== ===Rhizarians (])===
:The largest species traditionally considered ] are giant ]s like ]ns. One such species, the ] '']'', can attain a size of {{convert|20|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-10-10|title=The 27 Best Deep-Sea Species: #22 Xenophyophores &#124; Deep Sea News|url=https://www.deepseanews.com/2008/10/the-27-best-deep-sea-species-22-xenophyophores/|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.deepseanews.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
].]]
Both the largest ] and the largest of all ]s is believed to be the ], ''Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni''. Current estimates put its maximum size at 12 to 14 metres (39–46 ft) long, based on analysis of smaller specimens. On February 22, 2007, authorities in New Zealand announced the capture of the largest colossal squid seen. It was later measured at 10 m (33 ft) long and 494 kg (1,098 lb) in weight.<ref></ref>


===Alveolates (])===
The ] (''Architeuthis dux'') was previously thought to be the largest squid, and while it is less massive and has a smaller mantle than the Colossal Squid, it may exceed the colossal squid in overall length including tentacles. The giant squid can measure up to 13&nbsp;m (43&nbsp;ft) or more from tentacle tip to tail tip, or 2.25&nbsp;m (7.4&nbsp;ft) in mantle length, and can weigh up to 275&nbsp;kg (600&nbsp;lb).<ref name=OShea>O'Shea, S. 2003. The Octopus News Magazine Online.</ref>
:The largest ]s, such as '']'', can attain a length over {{convert|4|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Micscape Microscopy and Microscope Magazine|url=http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artoct98/spiro.html|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.microscopy-uk.org.uk}}</ref>


===Stramenopiles (])===
*'''Aplacophorans''' (Aplacophora). The largest of these worm-like, shell-less ]s are represented in the genus '']'', which can reach 30&nbsp;cm (12&nbsp;in) long. Most aplacophorans are less than 5&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;in) long.
:The largest ] are ] from the northwestern Pacific. The floating stem of ''] pyrifera'' can grow to a height of over {{convert|45|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Discover|url=https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover.html|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.nhm.ac.uk|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Giant kelp|url=https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/giant-kelp|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.montereybayaquarium.org}}</ref>
*'''Chitons''' (Polyplacophora). The largest of the ]s is the ], ''Cryptochiton stelleri'', which can reach a length of 33&nbsp;cm (13&nbsp;in).
:Macrocystis also qualifies as the largest ], the largest ], and the largest protist generally.
*'''Bivalves''' (Bivalvia). The largest of the ] ]s is the ], ''Tridacna gigas''. Although even more enormous sizes have been reported for this monstrous but passive animal, the top verified size is 273&nbsp;kg (600&nbsp;lb), 1.16&nbsp;m (3.85&nbsp;ft) in length and 76&nbsp;cm (30&nbsp;in) wide. The largest bivalve ever was '']'', a ] giant that reached an axial length of up to 3&nbsp;m (nearly 10 ft).<ref></ref>
*'''Gastropods''' (Gastropoda). The largest of this most diverse and successful ] class is the ], ''Syrinx aruanus'', reaching a size of 16.4&nbsp;kg (36&nbsp;lb), a length of 70&nbsp;cm (28&nbsp;in) and a width of 96&nbsp;cm (38&nbsp;in). The largest of the terrestrial snails is the ], ''Achatina fulica'', at up to 1&nbsp;kg (2.2&nbsp;lb) and 35&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;in) long.
*'''Cephalopods''' (Cephalopoda). (See ].) While generally much smaller than the giant '']'' and '']'', the largest of the octopuses, the ], ''Enteroctopus dofleini'', can be very large. The largest confirmed weight of a giant octopus is 71&nbsp;kg,<ref>Cosgrove, J.A. 1987. Aspects of the Natural History of ''Octopus dofleini'', the Giant Pacific Octopus. M.Sc. Thesis. Department of Biology, University of Victoria (Canada), 101 pp.</ref> with a {{convert|7|m|ft|adj=on}} arm span.<ref>{{cite web | title = Octopus - Species | url = http://www.octopus.com/species/}}</ref>


==Bacteria==
===Arthropods (''Arthropoda'')===
The largest known species of ] is named '']'', which grows to {{convert|1|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Carissa |title=Largest known bacteria in the world are visible to the naked eye |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2325909-largest-known-bacteria-in-the-world-are-visible-to-the-naked-eye/ |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=New Scientist |language=en-US}}</ref> making it visible to the naked eye and also about five thousand times the size of more typical ].<ref name="science1">{{cite web|url=https://www.science.org/content/article/largest-bacterium-ever-discovered-has-unexpectedly-complex-cells |first = Elizabeth |last = Pennisi|author-link = Elizabeth Pennisi|title=Largest bacterium ever discovered has unexpectedly complex cells |date=|work=]|publisher=science.org|accessdate=2022-02-24|language=en}}</ref> ] described it as possessing the "size and shape of a human ]."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-23 |title=Record bacterium discovered as long as human eyelash |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61911817 |access-date=2022-06-24}}</ref> ] published a new paper on the bacterium on June 23, 2022.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Volland |first1=Jean-Marie |last2=Gonzalez-Rizzo |first2=Silvina |last3=Gros |first3=Olivier |last4=Tyml |first4=Tomáš |last5=Ivanova |first5=Natalia |last6=Schulz |first6=Frederik |last7=Goudeau |first7=Danielle |last8=Elisabeth |first8=Nathalie H. |last9=Nath |first9=Nandita |last10=Udwary |first10=Daniel |last11=Malmstrom |first11=Rex R. |date=2022-06-24 |title=A centimeter-long bacterium with DNA contained in metabolically active, membrane-bound organelles |url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abb3634 |journal=Science |language=en |volume=376 |issue=6600 |pages=1453–1458 |doi=10.1126/science.abb3634 |pmid=35737788 |bibcode=2022Sci...376.1453V |s2cid=249990020 |issn=0036-8075}}</ref> According to a study coauthored by Jean-Marie Volland, a marine biologist and scientist at California's Laboratory for Research in Complex Systems, and an affiliate at the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, ''T. magnifica'' can grow up to 2 centimeters long.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Amarachi Orie |date=June 23, 2022 |title=World's largest bacterium discovered is the size of a human eyelash |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/23/world/worlds-largest-bacteria-magnifica-intl-scli-scn/index.html |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=CNN}}</ref>
] is the largest of all arthropods.]]
The ], ''Macrocheira kaempferi'', a ] of the class ], is the largest ] in the world in overall size, weighing up to 20&nbsp;kg (44&nbsp;lb), having a body up to 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft) long and having a leg span of almost 4&nbsp;m (13&nbsp;ft). It is indisputably the largest member of ] (crabs).


*'''Cyanobacteria'''
However, the ], ''Homarus americanus'', another ] and the largest member of ] (lobsters and crayfish), rivals the Japanese spider crab in mass, if not dimension. This ] has been recorded at heavier weights, up to 22&nbsp;kg (48.4&nbsp;lb), and can measure 1.18&nbsp;m (3.9&nbsp;ft) along the body.
:One of the largest "]" is '']'', whose filamentous cells can be 50 μm wide.<ref name = Stal2007>{{Cite book|last = Stal|first = Lucas J.|year = 2007|contribution = Diversity and Versatility, Clues to Life in Extreme Environments|title = Algae and Cyanobacteria in Extreme Environments|series = Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology|volume = 11, Part 7|editor = Seckbach, J.|pages = |place = Dordrecht, The Netherlands|publisher = Springer|doi = 10.1007/978-1-4020-6112-7_36|isbn = 978-1-4020-6111-0|url = https://archive.org/details/algaecyanobacter0000unse/page/659}}</ref>


==Viruses==
The ], ''Birgus latro'', also a crustacean, is the largest land arthropod and the largest land invertebrate, up to 40&nbsp;cm (1.3&nbsp;ft) long and weighing up to 4&nbsp;kg (8.8&nbsp;lb). Its legs may span 1&nbsp;m (3.25&nbsp;ft).
]
The largest virus on record is '']'', with the length of 4 micrometres, comparable to the typical size of a bacterium and large enough to be seen in light microscopes. It was discovered in 2018 (being mistaken for ]s beforehand), having been found on an ] in the genus '']''.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Barthélémy |first1=Roxane-Marie |title=Serendipitous Discovery in a Marine Invertebrate (Phylum Chaetognatha) of the Longest Giant Viruses Reported till Date |journal=Biology |date=8 January 2019}}</ref> Prior to this discovery, the largest virus was the peculiar virus genus '']'', which have a size of approximately 1 ] and whose genome contains 1,900,000 to 2,500,000 base pairs of DNA.<ref name="Brumfiel">{{cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/07/18/203298244/worlds-biggest-virus-may-have-ancient-roots | title=World's Biggest Virus May Have Ancient Roots | work=National Public Radio | date=18 July 2013 | access-date=18 July 2013 | author=Brumfiel, Geoff}}</ref>


'']'' infects ] specifically, however '']'' infects '']'' ].
The largest arthropod ever known to exist was the ] (sea scorpion) '']'', which was between 2.5 and 2.6 m (8.2-8.5 ft) in length . It was closely followed by '']'', an aquatic eurypterid that was up to 2.3&nbsp;m (7.5 ft) in length. The closest living relatives of ] are the ], ]s, and ]s.
*'''Arachnids''' (Arachnida). The largest species of arachnid is probably the ], ''Theraphosa blondi''. However, of very comparable dimensions and possibly even greater mass, are the ], '']'', and the ], '']''. Some of these huge ] "]s" have been recorded as reaching a leg span of 28&nbsp;cm (11&nbsp;in), a body length over 9&nbsp;cm (3.5&nbsp;in) and a body weight exceeding 85&nbsp;g (3&nbsp;oz). The largest of the ]s is the species '']'', which can reach 29&nbsp;cm (11.5&nbsp;in) long and a weight of up to 57&nbsp;g (2&nbsp;oz).
*'''Branchiopods''' (Branchiopoda). The largest of these primarily freshwater ]s is probably '']'', which can reach a length 10&nbsp;cm (3.9&nbsp;in).
*'''Centipedes''' (Chilopoda). The biggest of the ]s is the ], ''Scolopendra gigantea'', reaching a relatively enormous length of 33&nbsp;cm (13&nbsp;in).
*'''Millipedes''' (Diplopoda). Two species of ] both reach a very large size '']'' and '']''. Both of these species can slightly exceed a length of 28&nbsp;cm (11&nbsp;in). The 300-million year old '']'', either a primitive ] or a close relative, was the largest land ] ever, having measured at least 2.5&nbsp;m (8.2&nbsp;ft) long and 45&nbsp;cm (18&nbsp;in) wide.
*'''Barnacles & allies''' (Maxillopoda). The largest species is a ] (''Pennella balaenopterae''), known exclusively as a ] from the backs of ]s. The maximum size attained is 32&nbsp;cm (about 13&nbsp;in). The largest of the ]s is the ], ''Balanus nubilis'', reaching 7&nbsp;cm (2.8&nbsp;in) in diameter and 12.7&nbsp;cm (5&nbsp;in) high.
*'''Horseshoe crabs''' (Merostomata). The four modern ]s are of roughly the same sizes, at up to 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft) in length. Easily the best known species is '']'' of North America.
*'''Ostracods''' (Ostracoda). The largest of these small and little-known but numerous ]s is the species '']'', reaching a maximum length of 3&nbsp;cm (1.3&nbsp;in).
*'''Amphipods, Isopods, and allies''' (Peracarida). The largest species is the ], which can reach a length of 45&nbsp;cm (18&nbsp;]es) and a weight of 1.7&nbsp;kg (3.7&nbsp;]).
*'''Sea spiders''' (Pycnogonida). The largest of the ]s is the deep-sea species ''Colossendeis colossea'', attaining a leg span of nearly 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft).
*'''Remipedes''' (Remipedia). The largest of these cave-dwelling ]s is the species '']'', at up to 4.5&nbsp;cm (1.8&nbsp;in).
*'''Trilobites''' (Trilobita). The largest of these extinct marine arthropods, a specimen of ''] rex'' from ] attained a length over 70 cm (27&nbsp;inches).

====Insects (''Insecta'')====
]s, which are a type of ], are easily the most numerous group of ]s on the planet, with about a million species identified so far. The title of heaviest insect in the world has many rivals, the most frequently-crowned of which is the ] of the ], ''Goliathus goliatus'', the top size of which is at least 115&nbsp;g (4.1&nbsp;oz) and 11.5&nbsp;cm (4.5&nbsp;in).<ref name="goliath"></ref> The largest confirmed weight of an adult insect is 71 grams for a ], ''Deinacrida heteracantha'',<ref name="weta"></ref> although it is likely one of the ]s, ''Megasoma elephas'' & ''Megasoma actaeon'', or goliath beetles, both of which can commonly exceed 50&nbsp;g (3&nbsp;oz) and 10&nbsp;cm (4&nbsp;in), can reach a higher weight.

The longest insects are the stick insects, see below.

Representatives of the extinct dragonfly-like ] ] such as the ] '']'' and the ] '']'' are the largest ] species ever known. These creatures had a wingspan of some 70&nbsp;cm (28&nbsp;in) and a body weight of over 452&nbsp;g (1&nbsp;lb), making them about the size of a ].
] is arguably the world's heaviest insect.]]
*'''Cockroaches''' (Blattodea). The largest ] is the ] (''Macropanesthia rhinoceros''). This species can attain a length of 8.3&nbsp;cm (3.3&nbsp;in) and a weight of 36&nbsp;g (1.3&nbsp;oz).
*'''Beetles''' (Coleoptera). The ]s are the largest order of organisms on earth, with about 350,000 species so far identified. The most massive species are the '']'', '']'' and '']'' ]s already mentioned. The longest species is the ], ''Dynastes hercules'' with a maximum overall length of at least 19&nbsp;cm (7.5&nbsp;in) including the very long antennae, and a weight of up to 85&nbsp;g (3&nbsp;oz), about an ounce less than the bulkier ]s.
*'''Earwigs''' (Dermaptera). The largest of the ]s is the ], ''Labidura herculeana'', which is up to 8.4&nbsp;cm (3.3&nbsp;in) in length.
*'''True flies''' (Diptera). The largest species of this huge order is the species '']'', which can reach a length of 6&nbsp;cm (2.4&nbsp;in) and a wingspan of 10&nbsp;cm (4&nbsp;in). Species of ], the largest of which is '']'', can attain a length of 23&nbsp;cm (9&nbsp;in) but are extremely slender and much lighter in weight than '']''.
*'''Mayflies''' (Ephemeroptera). The largest mayflies are members of the genus '']'' from ]. These insects can reach a length of 5&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;in).
*'''True bugs''' (Hemiptera). The largest species of this diverse, huge order is a ], ''Lethocerus maximus''. This species can attain a length of 11.6&nbsp;cm (4.6&nbsp;in), although it is more slender and less heavy than most other insects of this size (principally the huge ]s).
*'''Ants & allies''' (Hymenoptera). The largest of the ]s, and the heaviest species of the order, are the females of '']'', reaching a length of 5&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;in). The ant that averages the largest for the mean size of the whole colony is '']'', averaging up to 3.3&nbsp;cm (1.3&nbsp;in). The largest of the ] species, also in the order ], is '']'', the females of which can be 3.8&nbsp;cm (1.5&nbsp;in) long, with a 6.3&nbsp;cm (2.5&nbsp;in) wingspan. The largest wasp is probably the so-called ] species '']'', at up to 6.8&nbsp;cm (2.8&nbsp;in) long and 11.6&nbsp;cm (4.6&nbsp;in) wingspan, although many other '']'' approach a similar size.
*'''Termites''' (Isoptera). The largest of the ]s is the ]n species '']''. The huge larvae of this species can attain a length of 10.6&nbsp;cm (4.2&nbsp;in) and breadth of 5.5&nbsp;cm (2.2&nbsp;in); the adults, on the other hand, are about a third of the size.
] is the largest species of butterfly.]]
*'''Moths & allies''' (Lepidoptera). The largest species is probably either the ], ''Ornithoptera alexandrae'', a butterfly, or the ], ''Attacus atlas'', a moth. Both of these species can exceed a length of 8&nbsp;cm (3.2&nbsp;in), a wingspan of 28&nbsp;cm (11&nbsp;in) and a weight of 12&nbsp;g. Their larvae can weigh up to 58&nbsp;g (1.9&nbsp;oz). However, the White Witch, '']'', has the longest recorded wingspan of the order, and indeed of any living insect, at up to at least 30&nbsp;cm (12&nbsp;in), though it is exceeded in surface area and mass by both '']'' and '']''.
*'''Praying mantises''' (Mantodea). The largest species of this order is the ], ''Tenodera aridifolia''. The females of this species can attain a length of up to 10.6&nbsp;cm (4.2&nbsp;in).
*'''Dragonflies''' (Odonata). The largest living species of ] is '']'', attaining a size of as much as 19&nbsp;cm (7.5&nbsp;in) across the wings and a body length of over 12&nbsp;cm (4.7&nbsp;in).
*'''Grasshoppers & allies''' (]). The largest of this widespread, varied complex of insects is the ], ''Deinacrida heteracantha'', of New Zealand. This formidable insect can weigh over 75&nbsp;g (2.6&nbsp;oz) and measure up to nearly 10&nbsp;cm (4&nbsp;in), rivaling the huge ]s in size.
*'''Stick insects''' (Phasmatodea). The longest ] in terms of body length is '']''. The body of this species measures up to {{convert|328|mm|in}},<ref name=Brock>Brock, P.D. 1999. ''The amazing world of stick and leaf-insects''. Cravitz Printing Co., Essex, England.</ref> while the overall length (from the hind to the front legs) is up to {{convert|546|mm|in}},<ref name=Brock /> and the body weight is up to 72&nbsp;g (2.5&nbsp;oz). However, '']'' exceeds it in total length with legs extended, measuring up to {{convert|555|mm|in}}, making it the longest known insect.<ref>Seow-Choen, F. (1995). The longest insect in the world. ''Malayan Nat.'' '''48''': 12.</ref>
*'''Stoneflies''' (Plecoptera). The largest species of ] is '']'', a species favored by ] as lures. This species can attain a length of 5&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;in) and a wingspan of nearly 7.5&nbsp;cm (3&nbsp;in).
*'''Booklice''' (]). The largest of this order of very small insects are the barklouse of the genus '']'', the top size of which is about 1&nbsp;cm (0.4&nbsp;in).
*'''Fleas''' (Siphonaptera). The largest species of ] is '']''. This parasite is known exclusively from the fur of the ] and can reach a length of 1.2&nbsp;cm (0.5&nbsp;in).
*'''Thrips''' (]). Members of the genus '']'' are the largest kinds of ]s. The maximum size of these species is approximately 1.3&nbsp;cm (0.5&nbsp;in).

==Plants==
]]]
The largest single-stem plants are all members of the ] division. By ] and ], the largest ] is the ] (''Sequoiadendron giganteum''). They grow to an average height of 70 &ndash; 85&nbsp;m (230 &ndash; 280&nbsp;ft) and 5 &ndash; 7&nbsp;m (16 &ndash; 23&nbsp;ft) in diameter. Specimens have been recorded to be up to 93.6&nbsp;m (307&nbsp;ft) in height and (not the same individual) 8.85&nbsp;m (29&nbsp;ft) in diameter; the largest individual is the ], with a volume of 1,489&nbsp;m³. Although not so large in volume, the closely related ] (''Sequoia sempervirens'') is taller, reaching a maximum height of 115.25&nbsp;m (380.3&nbsp;ft). These trees dwarf any other non-communal ], as even the largest ]s are likely to weigh one-sixteenth as much as a large ] or ]. See ] for other tree records.
*'''Algae'''. The largest form of algae is the huge form of ] from the northwestern ] known as the ] (''Macrocystis pyrifera''). The record-sized stem from one of these just slightly exceeded 60&nbsp;m (200&nbsp;ft).
*'''Liverworts''' (Marchantiophyta). The largest species of ] is a ] species, '']''. The top size of this species is 1.1&nbsp;m (3.6&nbsp;ft) long, a diameter of 2.5&nbsp;cm (1&nbsp;in) and a stem length of 10&nbsp;cm (4&nbsp;in).
*'''Mosses''' (Bryophyta). The world's largest ] is '']'', of ]. This species can be 50&nbsp;cm (20&nbsp;in) tall.<ref></ref>
*'''Horsetails''' (Equisetophyta). The largest of ]s is the species '']'', of central ]. The biggest specimen known was 8&nbsp;m (26.4&nbsp;ft) tall and had a diameter of 2.5&nbsp;cm (1&nbsp;in).
*'''Ferns''' (Pteridophyta). The largest species of fern is the majestic ] (''Angiopteris evecta''), of the ]n area. A single ] of this plant can exceed 5&nbsp;m (16.5&nbsp;ft) in height.
*'''Conifers''' (Pinophyta). Besides the giant '']'' and '']'' already mentioned, the ]s also include the largest tree by ] in the world, the ] ('']''). The thickest recorded tree, found in ], is called ], with a circumference of 35.87&nbsp;m (118.3&nbsp;ft) and a diameter of 11.42&nbsp;m (37.5&nbsp;ft) at 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) above ground level.
*'''Cycads''' (Cycadophyta). The largest species of ] is ] (''Lepidozamia hopei''), of the ] area of ]. The largest examples of this species have been over 17&nbsp;m (56&nbsp;ft) tall and have had a diameter of over 50&nbsp;cm (20&nbsp;in).
*'''Flowering plants''' (Magnoliophyta). This is the most diverse and numerous division of plants, with upwards of 400,000 species. Typically the largest ] (angiosperm) has been considered '']'', which can reach heights of 92&nbsp;m (304&nbsp;ft).
].]]
Stands of trees connected to a single root system (a single organism genetically) may be considered the largest organisms, and the largest ]s. The largest known such colony is a male Aspen in ], nicknamed ] (''Populus tremuloides''), which is estimated to weigh in at approximately 6,000&nbsp;tonnes (6,615&nbsp;tons).<ref name=oecd/>

Another form of ] that rivals Pando as the largest organism on earth in breadth, if not mass, is the giant marine plant, '']'', discovered in the ] near the ], ]. Its length is about 8&nbsp;km (4.3&nbsp;miles). Although this plant has not been proven to be a single connected organism, all the samples do have the same ]. It may also be the oldest living organism in the world, with an estimated age of 100,000 years.<ref name=seagrass/>

Other records among ]s include, the title of largest ], which belongs to the species '']''. One of these ]s can reach a diameter of 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) and weigh up to 11&nbsp;kg (24&nbsp;lb). The largest unbranched ], resembling (but not qualifying as) a giant flower, belongs to the ] (''Amorphophallus titanum''), reaching almost 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) in height. The absolute largest inflorescence, at up to 8&nbsp;m (26.5&nbsp;ft) long, is borne by the ] (''Corypha umbraculifera'') of India.

==Fungi==
] The largest living ] may be a ]<ref name=amarilla></ref> of the ] '']''.<ref name=BBCfungus></ref>
A mushroom of this type in the ] in the ] of eastern ], U.S. was found to be the largest fungal colony in the world, spanning 8.9&nbsp;km² (2200 acres) of area.<ref name=UW/> This organism is estimated to be 2400 years old. The fungus was written about in the April 2003 issue of the ''Canadian Journal of Forest Research''. While an accurate estimate has not been made, the total ] of the colony may be as much as 605 ]s. If this colony is considered a single ], then it is the largest known organism in the world by area, and rivals the aspen grove "]" as the known organism with the highest living ]. It is not known, however, whether it is a single organism with all parts of the ] connected.<ref name=ABCfungus/>

In '']'' each individual mushroom has only a 5&nbsp;cm (2 inch) stem and a bell of up to 12.5&nbsp;cm (5&nbsp;in) across. There are many other ] of a larger individual size, the largest being '']''. '']'' is up to 284&nbsp;kg (626&nbsp;lb), 1.66&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft 6&nbsp;in) tall, 1.46&nbsp;m (4&nbsp;ft 10&nbsp;in) across, and has a circumference of 4.9&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft 2&nbsp;in).
2&nbsp;in).

==Other kingdoms==
*'''Protists'''. Among the organisms that are not multicellular, the largest are the ]s, such as '']'', some of which can cover an area more than 1,000 cm² (1 sq ft). The largest species traditionally considered ] are giant amoeboids like ]ns. One such species, the ] ''Syringammina fragilissima'', can attain a size of 20&nbsp;cm (8&nbsp;in). The largest ]s, such as '']'', can attain a length over 1 mm. The largest ] are the giant kelps, ''] pyrifera'', which can grow to a height of over 45&nbsp;m (150&nbsp;ft).

*'''Bacteria'''. The largest species of ] ever discovered is '']'', which grows to 0.75&nbsp;mm (0.03&nbsp;in) in diameter, making it visible to the naked eye and up to a million times the size of more typical ].

*'''Viruses'''. The largest known ] is the ] (the ''Acanthamoeba polyphaga'' mimivirus), with mature particles of 400&nbsp;] in diameter (]), 800,000&nbsp;] and 900 ]s. Later research suggested that it could be up to 800&nbsp;nm long, 1.2&nbsp;] and 1,260 ]s.


==See also== ==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
* ]
*]
* ]

* ]
==Notes==
* ]
{{reflist|2}}
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
{{div col end}}
{{Records|state=collapsed}}


==References== ==References==
===Notes===
* Wood, The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. Sterling Pub Co Inc (1983), ISBN 978-0851122359
{{Notelist}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|35em}}


== External links ==
]
* Melissa Breyer. ] April 28, 2015
]
{{Records}}
]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Largest Organisms}}
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Latest revision as of 22:22, 30 December 2024

List of largest organisms on Earth
Although it appears to be multiple trees, Pando is a clonal colony of an individual quaking aspen with an interconnected root system. It is widely held to be the world's most massive single organism.

This article lists the largest organisms for various types of life and mostly considers extant species, which found on Earth can be determined according to various aspects of an organism's size, such as: mass, volume, area, length, height, or even genome size. Some organisms group together to form a superorganism (such as ants or bees), but such are not classed as single large organisms. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest structure composed of living entities, stretching 2,000 km (1,200 mi) but contains many organisms of many types of species.

When considering singular entities, the largest organisms are clonal colonies which can spread over large areas. Pando, a clonal colony of the quaking aspen tree, is widely considered to be the largest such organism by mass. Even if such colonies are excluded, trees retain their dominance of this listing, with the giant sequoia being the most massive tree. In 2006, a huge clonal colony of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica was discovered south of the island of Ibiza. At 8 kilometres (5 mi) across, and estimated at 100,000 years old, it may be one of the largest and oldest clonal colonies on Earth.

Among animals, the largest species are all marine mammals, specifically whales. The blue whale is believed to be the largest animal to have ever lived. The living land animal classification is also dominated by mammals, with the African bush elephant being the largest of these.

Plants

Main article: List of largest plants

The largest single-stem tree by wood volume and mass is the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), native to Sierra Nevada and California; it typically grows to a height of 70–85 m (230–280 ft) and 5–7 m (16–23 ft) in diameter.

The largest organism in the world, according to mass, is the aspen tree whose colonies of clones can grow up to 8 kilometres (5 mi) in size. The largest such colony is Pando, in the Fishlake National Forest in Utah.

A form of flowering plant that far exceeds Pando as the largest organism on Earth in area and potentially also mass, is the giant marine plant, Posidonia australis, living in Shark Bay, Australia. Its length is about 180 km (112 mi) and it covers an area of 200 km (77 sq mi). It is also among the oldest known clonal plants.

Another giant marine plant of the genus Posidonia, Posidonia oceanica discovered in the Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands, Spain may be the oldest living organism in the world, with an estimated age of 100,000 years.

The largest individual flower in the world is Rafflesia arnoldii, while the flowering plant with the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world is Amorphophallus titanum. Both are native to Sumatra in Indonesia.

Green algae

Green algae are photosynthetic unicellular and multicellular green plants that are related to land plants. The thallus of the unicellular mermaid's wineglass, Acetabularia, can grow to several inches (perhaps 0.1 to 0.2 m) in length. The fronds of the similarly unicellular, and invasive Caulerpa taxifolia can grow up to a foot (0.3 m) long.

Animals

The blue whale is the largest animal alive today.
Bruhathkayosaurus is potentially the largest animal to have walked the earth.
This section is an excerpt from Largest and heaviest animals. Clockwise from top left: an African bush elephant, the largest extant terrestrial animal; a blue whale, the largest animal ever to exist; and a colossal squid, the largest invertebrate

The largest animal currently alive is the blue whale. The maximum recorded weight was 190 tonnes (209 US tons) for a specimen measuring 27.6 metres (91 ft), whereas longer ones, up to 33 metres (108 ft), have been recorded but not weighed. It is estimated that this individual could have a mass of 250 tonnes or more. The longest non-colonial animal is the lion's mane jellyfish (37 m, 120 ft).

In 2023, paleontologists estimated that the extinct whale Perucetus, discovered in Peru, may have outweighed the blue whale, with a mass of 85 to 340 t (94–375 short tons; 84–335 long tons). However, more recent studies suggest this whale was much smaller than previous estimates putting its weight at 60 to 113 tonnes. While controversial, estimates for the weight of the sauropod Bruhathkayosaurus suggest it was around 110–170 tons, with the highest estimate being 240 tons, if scaled with Patagotitan, although actual fossil remains no longer exist, and that estimation is based on described dimensions in 1987. In April 2024, Ichthyotitan severnensis was established as a valid shastasaurid taxon and is considered both the largest marine reptile ever discovered and the largest macropredator ever discovered. The Lilstock specimen was estimated to be around 26 metres (85 ft) whilst the Aust specimen was an even more impressive 30 to 35 metres (98 to 115 ft) in length. Whilst no weight estimates was made as of yet, Ichthyotitan would have easily rivalled or surpassed the blue whale. The upper estimates of weight for these prehistoric animals would have easily rivaled or exceeded the largest rorquals and sauropods.

The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest living land animal. A native of various open habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, males weigh about 6.0 tonnes (13,200 lb) on average. The largest elephant ever recorded was shot in Angola in 1974. It was a male measuring 10.67 metres (35.0 ft) from trunk to tail and 4.17 metres (13.7 ft) lying on its side in a projected line from the highest point of the shoulder, to the base of the forefoot, indicating a standing shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft). This male had a computed weight of 10.4 to 12.25 tonnes.

Fungi

Armillaria ostoyae
Main article: Largest fungal fruit bodies

The largest living fungus may be a honey fungus of the species Armillaria ostoyae. A mushroom of this type in the Malheur National Forest in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, U.S. was found to be the largest fungal colony in the world, spanning 8.9 km (2,200 acres) of area. This organism is estimated to be 2,400 years old. The fungus was written about in the April 2003 issue of the Canadian Journal of Forest Research. If this colony is considered a single organism, then it is the largest known organism in the world by area, and rivals the aspen grove "Pando" as the known organism with the highest living biomass. It is not known, however, whether it is a single organism with all parts of the mycelium connected. Approximations of the land area of the Oregon "humongous fungus" are 3.5 square miles (9.1 km) (2,240 acres (910 ha), possibly weighing as much as 35,000 tons as the world's most massive living organism.

A spatial genetic analysis estimated that a specimen of Armillaria ostoyae growing over 91 acres (37 ha) in northern Michigan, United States weighs 440 tons (4 x 10 kg).

In Armillaria ostoyae, each individual mushroom (the fruiting body, similar to a flower on a plant) has only a 5 cm (2.0 in) stipe, and a pileus up to 12.5 cm (4.9 in) across. There are many other fungi which produce a larger individual size mushroom. The largest known fruiting body of a fungus is a specimen of Phellinus ellipsoideus (formerly Fomitiporia ellipsoidea) found on Hainan Island. The fruiting body masses up to 500 kg (1,100 lb).

Until P. ellipsoideus replaced it, the largest individual fruit body came from Rigidoporus ulmarius. R. ulmarius can grow up to 284 kg (626 lb), 1.66 m (5.4 ft) tall, 1.46 m (4.8 ft) across, and has a circumference of up to 4.9 m (16 ft).

Lichen

Umbilicaria mammulata is among the largest lichens in the world. The thallus of U. mammulata is usually 4 to 15 cm (1.6 to 5.9 in) in diameter, but specimens have been known to reach 63-centimetre (2.07 ft) in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

The longest lichen is Usnea longissima, which may grow to exceed 20 feet (6.1 m) in length.

Protists

Macrocystis pyrifera, the largest species of giant kelp

(Note: the group Protista is not used in current taxonomy.)

Amoebozoans (Amoebozoa)

Among the organisms that are not multicellular, the largest are the slime molds, such as Physarum polycephalum, some of which can reach a diameter over 30 cm (12 in). These organisms are unicellular, but they are multinucleate.

Euglenozoans (Euglenozoa)

Some euglenophytes, such as certain species of Euglena, reach lengths of 400 μm.

Rhizarians (Rhizaria)

The largest species traditionally considered protozoa are giant amoeboids like foraminiferans. One such species, the xenophyophore Syringammina fragilissima, can attain a size of 20 cm (7.9 in).

Alveolates (Alveolata)

The largest ciliates, such as Spirostomum, can attain a length over 4 mm (0.16 in).

Stramenopiles (Stramenopila)

The largest stramenopiles are giant kelp from the northwestern Pacific. The floating stem of Macrocystis pyrifera can grow to a height of over 45 m (148 ft).
Macrocystis also qualifies as the largest brown alga, the largest chromist, and the largest protist generally.

Bacteria

The largest known species of bacterium is named Thiomargarita magnifica, which grows to 1 cm (0.39 in) in length, making it visible to the naked eye and also about five thousand times the size of more typical bacteria. BBC News described it as possessing the "size and shape of a human eyelash." Science published a new paper on the bacterium on June 23, 2022. According to a study coauthored by Jean-Marie Volland, a marine biologist and scientist at California's Laboratory for Research in Complex Systems, and an affiliate at the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, T. magnifica can grow up to 2 centimeters long.

  • Cyanobacteria
One of the largest "blue green algae" is Lyngbya, whose filamentous cells can be 50 μm wide.

Viruses

A collection of viruses, including M. horridgei - the largest virus

The largest virus on record is Megaklothovirus horridgei, with the length of 4 micrometres, comparable to the typical size of a bacterium and large enough to be seen in light microscopes. It was discovered in 2018 (being mistaken for bristles beforehand), having been found on an arrow worm in the genus Spadella. Prior to this discovery, the largest virus was the peculiar virus genus Pandoravirus, which have a size of approximately 1 micrometer and whose genome contains 1,900,000 to 2,500,000 base pairs of DNA.

Pandoravirus infects amoebas specifically, however Megaklothovirus infects Spadella arrow worms.

See also

Records
World records
People
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Athletics
Weightlifting
In Australia
In the US
In India
National records
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Speed
Vehicle
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References

Notes

  1. The organism sizes listed are frequently considered "outsized" and are not in the normal size range for the respective group.

Citations

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External links

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