552 replies to this topic

[lobo_the_sacred]

To quote Atticus from 'To Kill a Mockingbird', "A weapon is not strength." Just because we can take a gun and shoot something dead doesn't mean that we're stronger than whatever we shot. We just happen to have an unfair advantage.- Fomalhaut

I'd have to agree that a weapon is not strength. It is an expression of human igenuity. Still, humans were killing large animals even before the development of advanced technology. Some people still hunt in the Amazon Rain Forest with posioned darts after all. In terms of creativity and ability to wreak havoc on the weakeness of other species I'd have to go with humans if that was the definition in this topic for the strongest.Many, people have mentioned the Tyrannosaurus Rex as being the strongest of all animals. Well, dinosaurs have long been extinct, but one has to consider a few things with this choice. While, a T-rex may have had some impressive leg strength. Its short arms were utterly useless for holding onto prey. If the T-rex did hunt it was in either packs or by lying in wait to ambush its prey. And, while the T-rex has probably impressive jaw strength. It wasn't even the largest predator in its own era.Others have pointed out the ability of ants and other insects to lift multiple times their own weight. This, is well documented fact, but lets not forget that the very design of all species with exoskeletons prevents them for ever achieving a mass comparable to a human. Since, the simple lungs of these species can't absorb enough from the air to be of significant mass.As far as bears go the two largest bears in the world are the polar bear and the kodiak bear. The polar bear is the largest member of the bear family so if you believe bears to be the strongest of all animals than this is your boy. The average adult polar bear weighs in at around 350–650 kilograms which is around 770 to 1500 plus pounds.A few have pointed to mythical creatures. Well, a mythical creature wouldn't fall under the topic since a mythical creature doesn't meet the definition of an animal.A few have pointed to sharks as being the strongest animals, but I don't know how to really make a decision on such a broud animal category. Some sharks are barely a foot and a half in length. And, some sharks don't even eat meat anyway. Ever heard of a Whale Shark. Great White Sharks are definitely infamous thanks to Jaws, but most Great White Sharks are rather one hit attackers. Great Whites attack prey by building up speed and striking with blinding speed. Great White Sharks aren't all that maneuverable when attacking. So, a target that dodges the initial attack will probably get away to safety.A few have mentioned the ever lovable crocodile/alligator. Well, alligator and crocodiles are definitely good in the water as ambush predators. A cheetah can take out an alligator or crocodile on land if given the chance. A cheetah coming in hard and fast when the alligator isn't looking can easily knock it over. All the cheetar has to do after that is quickly go for the kill since the alligator has a soft underbelly. Also, pointed out in an earlier post that all of an alligator and crocodile's power is in biting down. Even, a human can prevent an alligator from opening its mouth.The person who started this topic really didn't specify what strength means. So, I'll have to say there is no such thing as the strongest animal in this case since there is no way to prove any anwser here as being correct.

Edited by lobo_the_sacred, 29 March 2008 - 03:34 AM.

[Wadever77]

i think its the crocodile, its bite force is the stongest

[Mighty Falcon]

I think whale is the strongest animal alive.