aliens are often portrayed as diminutive beings , but in ` reality ' they could be much larger and heavier than science fiction films suggest . scientist fergus simpson has calculated the minimum size needed for intelligent life to survive , based on the laws of conservation of energy seen on earth . an irritated elephant decided to douse a buffalo bull with cold water when it got a little too close for comfort . the wildlife creature was relaxing in the kruger national park in south africa with its family by a small pool of water when the bull approached - much to the elephant 's annoyance . in a gesture captured on camera , the african elephant squirts the bull with water stored up its trunk to get it to leave , but misses its target . scroll down for video . the frustrated elephant attempts to squirt water on the bull which has wandered too close for comfort . its young elephant cozies up to its parent for protection , as the bull drinks from a small pool of water . the large elephant keeps an eye on the bull as they move away , guarding its young which walks in its shadow . not to be beaten , the huge creature then begins to size up the bull , which is clearly unperturbed by the actions of the elephant and carries on drinking . the amazing images were taken in the historic park , which opened in 1898 to help protect the wildlife of south africa . according to the kruger national park website , the area is home to 147 different types of mammals , 507 birds , 114 reptiles and 34 amphibians . water drips down from the elephant 's trunk , after it attempted to douse the buffalo bull that came too close . taking a swing : the elephant rounds on the bull , which keeps its head and horns down as it passes . and from this , he calculates that if intelligent extraterrestrials exist they will typically weigh 650lbs -lrb- 300kg -rrb- - the median weight of a polar bear . aliens -lrb- illustrated with a stock image -rrb- are often portrayed as diminutive beings , but in ` reality ' they could be much larger , one scientist claims . fergus simpson from university of barcelona applied a mathematical formula to assume aliens obey the same laws of conservation of energy as animals on earth . mr simpson came to this conclusion by applying a mathematical formula that assumes aliens obey the same laws of conservation of energy as animals do on earth . this means that larger animals need more resources to survive , so are less common than plentiful ants , for example . the cosmologist 's calculations are also based on the idea that there 's a minimum size needed for intelligent life , but do n't factor in an alien planet 's gravity . ` throughout the animal kingdom , species which are physically larger invariably possess a lower population density , possibly due to their enhanced energy demands , ' he wrote in a paper , published at arxiv.org . he said there must be a minimum body size necessary for supporting intelligent life , based on the range of body sizes of intelligent animals such as apes and humans , found on earth . ` as a result , we should expect humans to be physically smaller than most other advanced species . ' ' ... we conclude that most species are expected to exceed 300kg in body mass . the median body mass is similar to that of a polar bear . ' he claims that just as it is on earth , there are probably more small animals than larger ones in the universe , but that the larger a planet or biosphere the more likely it is to have evolved an intelligent species . mr simpson said there must be a minimum size necessary for supporting intelligent life , based on the range of body sizes of intelligent animals such as apes and humans , found on earth . and , if they exist , he believes intelligent aliens typically weigh more than 650 lbs -lrb- 300kg -rrb- - around the size of a polar bear -lrb- stock image -rrb- . his argument follows that if clever aliens are large , there may be fewer of them , as they will likely live in a society with low population densities to ensure they have the resources they need . study claims aliens are larger than those portrayed in sci-fi -lrb- stock image -rrb- . but the calculations do n't take into account an alien planet 's surface gravity . commenting on the study , duncan forgan , a research fellow at the university of st andrews , told newsweek : ` i think the average size calculation is reasonable ' . seth shostak , a researcher at the seti institute in mountain view , california , added that it is not the first time scientists have suggested that aliens may be large , because big animals tend to live longer . a longer lifespan makes creatures potentially more likely to develop knowledge and invent technology needed to make contact with humans one day . mr simpson continued : ` higher intelligence enables the development of technologies which can sustain larger population sizes . ' while the research has been described as interesting by dr shostak , he said ` there 's no concrete data to work with ' and that earth is being used as a model to predict what life looks like elsewhere in the universe -- but aliens may be completely different . he pointed out that it is humans ' thumbs , bipedal stance and brains , rather than our bulk , that has enabled us to thrive on earth , so body mass is only one indicator of intelligence . ` polar bears are large but do not write great literature and build radio towers and a lot of that is probably because they are walking around on all fours , ' he said . mr forgan also noted that the research does n't take an alien planet 's surface gravity into account . he explained that planets with stronger gravity might be expected to be home to smaller life forms than those with weaker gravity , which means that the calculation is incomplete .
frustrated elephant misses its target as it attempts to douse bull in water . huge african elephant is with its baby , who nestles close for protection . kruger national park , where pictures were taken , is home to 147 mammals .
aliens are often portrayed as diminutive beings , but in ` reality ' they could be much larger and heavier than science fiction films suggest . scientist fergus simpson has calculated the minimum size needed for intelligent life to survive , based on the laws of conservation of energy seen on earth . an irritated elephant decided to douse a buffalo bull with cold water when it got a little too close for comfort . the wildlife creature was relaxing in the kruger national park in south africa with its family by a small pool of water when the bull approached - much to the elephant 's annoyance . in a gesture captured on camera , the african elephant squirts the bull with water stored up its trunk to get it to leave , but misses its target . scroll down for video . the frustrated elephant attempts to squirt water on the bull which has wandered too close for comfort . its young elephant cozies up to its parent for protection , as the bull drinks from a small pool of water . the large elephant keeps an eye on the bull as they move away , guarding its young which walks in its shadow . not to be beaten , the huge creature then begins to size up the bull , which is clearly unperturbed by the actions of the elephant and carries on drinking . the amazing images were taken in the historic park , which opened in 1898 to help protect the wildlife of south africa . according to the kruger national park website , the area is home to 147 different types of mammals , 507 birds , 114 reptiles and 34 amphibians . water drips down from the elephant 's trunk , after it attempted to douse the buffalo bull that came too close . taking a swing : the elephant rounds on the bull , which keeps its head and horns down as it passes . and from this , he calculates that if intelligent extraterrestrials exist they will typically weigh 650lbs -lrb- 300kg -rrb- - the median weight of a polar bear . aliens -lrb- illustrated with a stock image -rrb- are often portrayed as diminutive beings , but in ` reality ' they could be much larger , one scientist claims . fergus simpson from university of barcelona applied a mathematical formula to assume aliens obey the same laws of conservation of energy as animals on earth . mr simpson came to this conclusion by applying a mathematical formula that assumes aliens obey the same laws of conservation of energy as animals do on earth . this means that larger animals need more resources to survive , so are less common than plentiful ants , for example . the cosmologist 's calculations are also based on the idea that there 's a minimum size needed for intelligent life , but do n't factor in an alien planet 's gravity . ` throughout the animal kingdom , species which are physically larger invariably possess . study claims aliens are larger than those portrayed in sci-fi -lrb- stock image -rrb- . but the calculations do n't take into account an alien planet 's surface gravity . commenting on the study , duncan forgan , a research fellow at the university of st andrews , told newsweek : ` i think the average size calculation is reasonable ' . seth shostak , a researcher at the seti institute in mountain view , california , added that it is not the first time scientists have suggested that aliens may be large , because big animals tend to live longer . a longer lifespan makes creatures potentially more likely to develop knowledge and invent technology needed to make contact with humans one day . mr simpson continued : ` higher intelligence enables the development of technologies which can sustain larger population sizes . ' while the research has been described as interesting by dr shostak , he said ` there 's no concrete data to work with ' and that earth is being used as a model to predict what life looks like elsewhere in the universe -- but aliens may be completely different . he pointed out that it is humans ' thumbs , bipedal stance and brains , rather than our bulk , that has enabled us to thrive on earth , so body mass is only one indicator of intelligence . ` polar bears are large but do not write great literature and build radio towers and a lot of that is probably because they are walking around on all fours , ' he said . mr forgan also noted that the research does n't take an alien planet 's surface gravity into account . he explained that planets with stronger gravity might be expected to be home to smaller life forms than those with weaker gravity , which means that the calculation is incomplete .
aliens are often portrayed as diminutive beings , but in ` reality ' they could be much larger and heavier than science fiction films suggest . scientist fergus simpson has calculated the minimum size needed for intelligent life to survive , based on the laws of conservation of energy seen on earth . an irritated elephant decided to douse a buffalo bull with cold water when it got a little too close for comfort . the wildlife creature was relaxing in the kruger national park in south africa with its family by a small pool of water when the bull approached - much to the elephant 's annoyance . in a gesture captured on camera , the african elephant squirts the bull with water stored up its trunk to get it to leave , but misses its target . scroll down for video . the frustrated elephant attempts to squirt water on the bull which has wandered too close for comfort . its young elephant cozies up to its parent for protection , as the bull drinks from a small pool of water . the large elephant keeps an eye on the bull as they move away , guarding its young which walks in its shadow . not to be beaten , the huge creature then begins to size up the bull , which is clearly unperturbed by the actions of the elephant and carries on drinking . the amazing images were taken in the historic park , which opened in 1898 to help protect the wildlife of south africa . according to the kruger national park website , the area is home to 147 different types of mammals , 507 birds , 114 reptiles and 34 amphibians . water drips down from the elephant 's trunk , after it attempted to douse the buffalo bull that came too close . taking a swing : the elephant rounds on the bull , which keeps its head and horns down as it passes . and from this , he calculates that if intelligent extraterrestrials exist they will typically weigh 650lbs -lrb- 300kg -rrb- - the median weight of a polar bear . aliens -lrb- illustrated with a stock image -rrb- are often portrayed as diminutive beings , but in ` reality ' they could be much larger , one scientist claims . fergus simpson from university of barcelona applied a mathematical formula to assume aliens obey the same laws of conservation of energy as animals on earth . mr simpson came to this conclusion by applying a mathematical formula that assumes aliens obey the same laws of conservation of energy as animals do on earth . this means that larger animals need more resources to survive , so are less common than plentiful ants , for example . the cosmologist 's calculations are also based on the idea that there 's a minimum size needed for intelligent life , but do n't factor in an alien planet 's gravity . ` throughout the animal kingdom , species which are physically larger invariably possess in the universe , but that the larger a planet or biosphere the more likely it is to have evolved an intelligent species . mr simpson said there must be a minimum size necessary for supporting intelligent life , based on the range of body sizes of intelligent animals such as apes and humans , found on earth . and , if they exist , he believes intelligent aliens typically weigh more than 650 lbs -lrb- 300kg -rrb- - around the size of a polar bear -lrb- stock image -rrb- . his argument follows that if clever aliens are large , there may be fewer of them , as they will likely live in a society with low population densities to ensure they have the resources they need . study claims aliens are larger than those portrayed in sci-fi -lrb- stock image -rrb- . but the calculations do n't take into account an alien planet 's surface gravity . commenting on the study , duncan forgan , a research fellow at the university of st andrews , told newsweek : ` i think the average size calculation is reasonable ' . seth shostak , a researcher at the seti institute in mountain view , california , added that it is not the first time scientists have suggested that aliens may be large , because big animals tend to live longer . a longer lifespan makes creatures potentially more likely to develop knowledge and invent technology needed to make contact with humans one day . mr simpson continued : ` higher intelligence enables the development of technologies which can sustain larger population sizes . ' while the research has been described as interesting by dr shostak , he said ` there 's no concrete data to work with ' and that earth is being used as a model to predict what life looks like elsewhere in the universe -- but aliens may be completely different . he pointed out that it is humans ' thumbs , bipedal stance and brains , rather than our bulk , that has enabled us to thrive on earth , so body mass is only one indicator of intelligence . ` polar bears are large but do not write great literature and build radio towers and a lot of that is probably because they are walking around on all fours , ' he said . mr forgan also noted that the research does n't take an alien planet 's surface gravity into account . he explained that planets with stronger gravity might be expected to be home to smaller life forms than those with weaker gravity , which means that the calculation is incomplete .
aliens are often portrayed diminutive beings, ` reality ' could much heavier science fiction films suggest scientist fergus simpson has calculated the minimum size needed intelligent life survive, the laws conservation seen on earth an irritated elephant decided douse a buffalo bull when got a for. the wildlife creature was relaxing the kruger national park south africa with its family by a small pool when the bull approached - much the elephant 's annoyance. in a gesture captured, the african elephant squirts the bull with water stored up its trunk to get leave, but misses scroll. the frustrated elephant attempts squirt the bull which has wandered too for. its young elephant cozies its parent for protection, as bull drinks a small pool. the large elephant keeps an eye the bull as they move, guarding its young which walks its shadow not to beaten, the huge creature then begins size the bull, which clearly unperturbed the actions carries drinking. the amazing images were the historic park, which opened 1898 to help protect south africa according the kruger national park website, the area 147 different types mammals, 507 birds 114 reptiles water drips the elephant 's trunk, after attempted douse the buffalo bull that came too. taking a swing : the elephant rounds on the bull, which keeps and horns as passes. and from this, he calculates if intelligent extraterrestrials exist they typically weigh 650lbs -lrb- 300 -rrb- - the median weight a polar bear. aliens -lrb- illustrated with a stock image are often portrayed diminutive beings, ` reality ' could much, one scientist claims fergus simpson from university barcelona applied a mathematical formula assume aliens obey conservation animals on. mr simpson came this conclusion by applying that assumes aliens obey conservation animals on earth. this means larger animals need more resources, so are common plentiful ants for the cosmologist 's calculations also based the idea there 's a minimum size needed intelligent life, but do n't factor an alien planet 's gravity. ` throughout the animal kingdom, species which physically larger invariably possess, possibly their enhanced energy demands ' he wrote, at he said there must a minimum body size necessary supporting intelligent life, based the range of intelligent animals such apes found on earth ` as a result, we should expect humans physically smaller most other advanced species. ' '... we conclude most species expected exceed 300kg. the median body mass is similar a polar bear. ' he claims just it on, probably more small animals larger ones, the larger a planet or biosphere likely evolved an intelligent species mr simpson said there must a minimum size necessary supporting intelligent life, based the range body sizes intelligent animals such apes found on earth and, if they exist, he believes intelligent aliens typically weigh more than 650 lbs -lrb- 300kg - around a polar bear -lrb- stock image. his argument follows if clever aliens large, there may fewer, as likely live a society to ensure they. study claims aliens larger those portrayed -lrb- stock image -rrb-. but the calculations do n't take an alien planet 's surface gravity. commenting the study, duncan forgan a research fellow university st andrews told newsweek : ` i the average size calculation reasonable ' seth shostak, a researcher the seti institute mountain view, california added scientists suggested aliens large, because big animals tend longer. a longer lifespan makes creatures potentially likely develop knowledge invent technology needed make contact humans one. mr simpson continued : ` higher intelligence enables the development technologies sustain larger population sizes. ' while the research described interesting by dr shostak, he ` there 's no concrete data work ' that earth being used predict what life looks elsewhere -- but aliens completely. he pointed it humans ' thumbs, bipedal stance brains, rather our bulk has enabled thrive earth so body mass only one indicator intelligence ` polar bears large but do write great literature and build radio towers a lot that probably walking, '. mr forgan also noted the research does n't take an alien planet 's surface gravity. he explained planets with stronger gravity might expected home smaller life forms than, means the calculation incomplete.
aliens are often portrayed as diminutive beings , but in ` reality ' they could be much larger and heavier than science fiction films suggest . scientist fergus simpson has calculated the minimum size needed for intelligent life to survive , based on the laws of conservation of energy seen on earth . an irritated elephant decided to douse a buffalo bull with cold water when it got a little too close for comfort . the wildlife creature was relaxing in the kruger national park in south africa with its family by a small pool of water when the bull approached - much to the elephant 's annoyance . in a gesture captured on camera , the african elephant squirts the bull with water stored up its trunk to get it to leave , but misses its target . scroll down for video . the frustrated elephant attempts to squirt water on the bull which has wandered too close for comfort . its young elephant cozies up to its parent for protection , as the bull drinks from a small pool of water . the large elephant keeps an eye on the bull as they move away , guarding its young which walks in its shadow . not to be beaten , the huge creature then begins to size up the bull , which is clearly unperturbed by the actions of the elephant and carries on drinking . the amazing images were taken in the historic park , which opened in 1898 to help protect the . study claims aliens are larger than those portrayed in sci-fi -lrb- stock image -rrb- . but the calculations do n't take into account an alien planet 's surface gravity . commenting on the study , duncan forgan , a research fellow at the university of st andrews , told newsweek : ` i think the average size calculation is reasonable ' . seth shostak , a researcher at the seti institute in mountain view , california , added that it is not the first time scientists have suggested that aliens may be large , because big animals tend to live longer . a longer lifespan makes creatures potentially more likely to develop knowledge and invent technology needed to make contact with humans one day . mr simpson continued : ` higher intelligence enables the development of technologies which can sustain larger population sizes . ' while the research has been described as interesting by dr shostak , he said ` there 's no concrete data to work with ' and that earth is being used as a model to predict what life looks like elsewhere in the universe -- but aliens may be completely different . he pointed out that it is humans ' thumbs , bipedal stance and brains , rather than our bulk , that has enabled us to thrive on earth , so body mass is only one indicator of intelligence . ` polar bears are large but do not write great literature and build radio towers and a lot of that is probably because they are walking around on all fours , ' he said . mr forgan also noted that the research does n't take an alien planet 's surface gravity into account . he explained that planets with stronger gravity might be expected to be home to smaller life forms than those with weaker gravity , which means that the calculation is incomplete .
 The article discusses how scientists have calculated that aliens could be much larger and heavier than humans, they would need to drink a lot of water to survive. It also mentions that an elephant-sized alien would need to drink around 100 liters of water per day to stay hydrated.