The largest one. The tongue of the bat Anoura fistulata , which this mammal uses to suck nectar from the flowers on which it feeds, measures one and a half times the length of its entire body, proportionally longer than that of any other mammal.
Maximum power. The Bolitoglossa dofleini salamander can launch its tongue with a power of 18,000 watts per kilogram of muscle, according to scientists at the University of South Florida (USA).
Oxygenated. The Australian musk turtle ( Sternotherus odoratus ) uses certain papillae on the tongue to extract oxygen from the water. In this way, it is able to remain submerged for several months without once raising its head to the surface.
Top speed. The Chameleon's Boneless works like a catapult, rapidly releasing the energy needed to reach an acceleration of up to 500 meters per second. However, if the temperature falls below 10 ° C, the tongue becomes less elastic and slower.
Multipurpose. The giraffe's tongue, dark blue, almost black, can measure more than 50 centimeters. It is a prehensile organ, which among other things helps it to tear off the branches of the trees on which it feeds, even if they are full of thorns like those of acacias. And it is also very useful for cleaning your ears.
