What is the world's largest living organism?

The world's largest living organism is not an elephant, a blue whale, or any other animal that comes to mind. In fact, it is a type of tree, specifically, a quaking aspen tree with a unique name: Pando.

Pando, also known as the Trembling Giant, is located in Fishlake National Forest, Utah, and covers an area of approximately 106 acres. This massive organism is not just one tree but rather a clonal colony made up of genetically identical trees, all originating from a single seedling.

While Pando holds the record for the largest organism by area, the title for the largest organism by mass goes to a different organism: the honey fungus, a parasitic fungus found in the Blue Mountains of Oregon. This fungus covers an area of 2,200 acres and is estimated to weigh around 35,000 tons.

Studying and preserving the world's largest living organisms is critical for maintaining biological diversity and ensuring the longevity of these unique natural wonders.