What is the largest animal ever to live on Earth?

The largest animal ever to live on Earth is the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). These marine mammals can grow up to 30 metres (98 feet) in length and weigh as much as 200 tonnes (400,000 pounds). Blue whales feed primarily on tiny crustaceans called krill, consuming up to 4 tonnes daily during feeding seasons. Despite their massive size, blue whales are gentle creatures and communicate using low-frequency sounds that can travel great distances underwater. Their extraordinary size surpasses even the largest dinosaurs that once roamed the planet.