There’s a New Biggest Animal (Maybe)

The video explores the discovery of Pericetus colossus, a potentially larger animal than the blue whale, found in Peru. It discusses the challenges in estimating its size due to its unique skeletal structure, which is denser and thicker than modern marine mammals. The video compares Pericetus to manatees and modern whales, suggesting it was a slow-swimming coastal species. It also speculates on its diet, possibly scavenging marine animals. The discovery raises questions about the limits of animal size and suggests that Pericetus might be the largest known animal, though uncertainties remain.

What was the previously believed largest animal on Earth before the discovery of Pericetus colossus?

• Giraffe

• Blue Whale

• African Elephant

• Tyrannosaurus Rex

What makes estimating the size of Pericetus colossus challenging?

• Its fossils were found in multiple locations

• It has a similar skeletal structure to dolphins

• Its bones are thicker and denser than modern marine mammals

• Its bones are lighter than modern whales

Which animal's skeletal mass to body mass ratio was used to estimate the lower size limit of Pericetus colossus?

• Blue Whale

• Dolphin

• Manatee

• Shark

What swimming style is Pericetus colossus believed to have had?

• Fast swimming like modern whales

• Slow swimming like a manatee

• Gliding like a manta ray

• Darting like a dolphin

What is a possible diet of Pericetus colossus?

• Feeding on plankton

• Scavenging on large dead animals

• Carnivorous diet of large marine animals

• Herbivorous diet of seaweed

What is one advantage of the large size of Pericetus colossus?

• Stability in strong coastal waves

• Faster swimming speed

• Ability to live on land

• Ability to fly

What is still uncertain about Pericetus colossus?

• Its ability to live on land

• Its ability to fly

• Its exact size and lifestyle

• Its color and skin texture