What is the smallest animal in the world? You won’t answer this question right away. The fact is that on our planet there are many groups of animals, each of which has its own baby.
The smallest animal in the world among mammals
Bats
This is a funny pig- bat belonging to the order of bats. This baby got such a name because of the similarity of her nose to a pig's piglet. In length, this creature does not exceed 3 centimeters and can easily fit in the palm of a child. It weighs only 2 grams, which, of course, is not felt at all.
Insectivores
Recently, another baby was discovered among mammals. Now the competition for the porcine bat is Etruscan shrew (or dwarf shrew). It weighs 1.5 grams and reaches a length of as much as 3 centimeters.
Primates
The smallest animals of the world (photo 1) among primates are the so-called dwarf marmosets . Their height does not exceed 15 cm, and weight - 150 g.
The smallest animal in the world among insects
Until relatively recently, the smallest insect in the world was considered the so-called flying fairy - a parasitic wasp that lives on the island of Guadeloupe. She feeds on the eggs of other insects. Its length is 0.15 mm.
However, 16 years ago, scientists in Costa Rica discovered a new species of the smallest insects on our planet - the wild boar. The body length of the male is 0.139 mm, which is much less than that of the simplest organism - ciliates-shoes!
The smallest animal in the world among reptiles, amphibians and fish
This is a chameleon baby of the genus Brukesia Micra. He likes the arid climate and rainforests. An adult does not exceed 3 centimeters in length. The lizard has a large head, but a very small tail. There are 11 small spines on the back. This baby was first discovered in 2007, and described in 2012.
Another competitor of our mini-lizard is its creepy congener called Brahmin blind molehill. This is a miniature snake, reaching a length of only 10 cm! It can be found in Madagascar.
The smallest amphibian in the world is a flea toad. The length of the body of this creature is not more than 1 cm. Today, scientists use this mini-toad to monitor the state of the rainforest.
The smallest fish in the world is considered to be an individual of the pedocypris species, which belongs to the cyprinid family. Its length is less than 8 mm! Mother Nature had to go to tricks to create a living creature of such tiny sizes. For example, the brain of this fish is almost devoid of a bone membrane. In addition, this baby prefers only peat bogs, in which acidity is increased.
Guinness World Records
Recently, the superbook replenished with another interesting record. Which pet do you think is the smallest among pets? You won’t guess! This is not a hand mouse or even a mini-cat, this is the Yorkshire Terrier from the USA! He is recognized as the most tiny dog in the world!
The smallest horse in the world, according to this book, is the tambourine. Her height is 45 cm and weight is 26 kg.