Average Weight

The average weight in animals identifies the median number or range a certain species weighs. For example, a German shepherd dog has an average weight of 49 to 88 pounds. You could also say,  the average weight of a bluebird is between 0.84 to 1.09 ounces.   

Summary

Determining an animal’s average weight is often done by taking its body measurements or using a scale. Weight varies greatly depending on the species of animal. Asian elephants weigh an average of 8,800 pounds, while African bush elephants weigh an average of 13,000 pounds. An animal’s average weight also varies depending on age and gender. Male species tend to weigh more than females. As an example, male German shepherds weigh between 66 and 88 pounds, while females range between 49 and 71 pounds.

What Factors Determine an Animal’s Average Weight?

There are many factors that determine an animal’s average weight, including bone structure, genetics, muscle, fat, diet, activity level, age, and gender. While males tend to be larger than females, this isn’t true for all species. In many insects, spiders, fish, and birds, females actually weigh more than males. Even some female mammals, like spotted hyenas and blue whales, weigh more. Weight in gender largely depends on the role of the species. Extra bulk in females, like queen ants, can help them lay more eggs. 

Factors That Can Influence an Animal’s Weight

While an animal’s average weight is determined by many factors, it can also be influenced by just as many. Bone structure and fat versus lean muscle are helpful determinants of an average weight. However, an animal’s weight can increase or decrease due to many external influences. If a wild animal is injured, it may have a difficult time finding food, thus leading to a smaller weight than the average. A domesticated animal that relies on humans for its meal but is often overfed will likely weigh more than the average. The main factors that influence weight include activity level and diet.