HUMAN

Heart rate — that is, the number of beats per minute — varies greatly from species to species. The smaller the heart, the faster it must beat. The human heart beats on average 60–80 times per minute. It’s a matter of metabolism: a small body consumes energy quickly and needs a heart that works at an accelerated pace, while a large body can function with fewer beats.

Place the palms of your hands down and measure your heart rate!

FELINE

A cat’s heart beats about 140 times per minute.

CETACEAN

The pilot whale’s heart beats between 20 and 30 times per minute.