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Elk vs Plains zebra

Elk vs plains zebra
Near enough equal on weight
Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on weight.

An elk and a plains zebra can be compared on 5 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

Side by side

Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.
Elk Plains zebra
Weight 170–500 kg 200–450 kg
Height 1.3–1.5 m 1.2–1.5 m
Length 2–2.7 m 2.1–2.6 m
Top speed 72 km/h 65 km/h
Typical lifespan 10–20 yr 12–25 yr

What the numbers say

  • Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on weight.
  • Elk is somewhat greater than plains zebra on height — about 1.1×.
  • Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on length.
  • Elk is somewhat greater than plains zebra on top speed — about 1.1×.
  • Plains zebra is somewhat greater than elk on typical lifespan — about 1.3×.

Weight compared.

Elk 170–500 kg
Plains zebra 200–450 kg

Elk

The second-largest deer, whose bulls bugle in autumn and carry antlers over a metre long.

Plains zebra

The most common zebra; every individual's stripe pattern is unique.

This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

Common questions

Which is bigger, elk or plains zebra?
Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do elk and plains zebras compare on height?
Elk: 1.3–1.5 m. Plains zebra: 1.2–1.5 m. Elk is somewhat greater than plains zebra on height — about 1.1×.
How do elk and plains zebras compare on length?
Elk: 2–2.7 m. Plains zebra: 2.1–2.6 m. Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on length.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked