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UPSC Prelims 1980 · Environment · Species Watch
Tallest four-legged animal is
- (a) Zebra
- (b) Elephant
- (c) Giraffe
- (d) Ostrich
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (c) Giraffe
Giraffes reach 5–6 m — the tallest animal.
The idea
The giraffe’s height comes from its long legs and neck. The neck still has only seven bones, the same number as in a human or a mouse; each bone is simply very long.
Tallest land animal: giraffe → Heaviest land animal: African elephant → Largest animal ever: blue whale → Fastest land animal: cheetah → Largest bird: ostrich
Why the others are wrong
(b) Elephants are the heaviest land animals, but only about 3–4 m tall.
(d) The ostrich has two legs.
The trap
Heaviest (elephant) is not tallest.
Also know
Giraffes live in the African savannah and browse the tops of acacia trees, which other animals cannot reach.
🔒 Tallest: giraffe · heaviest land: elephant · largest bird: ostrich.