In this article we are going to list the 5 fastest growing organisms in the world. For a detailed coverage of this topic and a more comprehensive list please take a look at the 15 fastest growing organisms in the world.
5. E. coli
Kingdom: Bacteria
Scientific Name: Escherichia coli
Growth Rate: Doubles every 20 minutes
This bacteria is found most commonly in the intestines of people and animal, though they also grow on other surfaces in the environment as well as on food. The fast growing bacteria is usually harmless, with only certain strains which produce toxins causing conditions such as diarrhoea and dehydration.
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4. C. Perfringen
Kingdom: Bacteria
Scientific Name: Clostridium perfringens
Growth Rate: doubles every 10 minutes
Similar to E. Coli, C. Perfringen is bacteria which is most commonly found on raw meat and poultry, as well as the intestines of humans and animals. An organism which grows even faster then E. Coli, this bacteria can cause illnesses such as gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, and food poisoning.
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3. Giant Water Lily
Kingdom: Plantae
Scientific Name: Victoria amazonica
Growth Rate: 2 feet per day
The Giant Water Lily is the largest of the water lily family, with leaves that can measure up to 10 feet in diameter. The plant has a large white flower in the centre of the plant, giving off a fragrant, sweet smell. The largest of the giant water lilies are said to grow in the Amazon Water Basin, growing at a rate of 2 feet per day for a total life cycle of just three days.
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2. Giant Kelp
Kingdom: Chromista
Scientific Name: M. pyrifera
Growth Rate: 2 feet per day
Regarded as the largest of all marine algae and the largest seaweed, giant kelp is the most recognized species of algae that have been discovered today. Under ideal conditions, the algae can grow up to 2 feet a day, creating dense forests underwater. These giant kelp forests serve as habitats for a plethora of marine life, including schools of fish, sea lions, crabs, and jellyfish. Giant kelp can reach a maximum height of 100 feet, making it one of the fastest growing organisms in the world.
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1. Bamboo
Kingdom: Plantae
Scientific Name: Bambusoideae
Growth Rate: 35 inches per day
Topping our list of the 15 fastest growing organisms in the world is member of the grass family, bamboo. Bamboo is thought to have originated in China, though it grows in almost every part of the world today. Stalks grow at a rate of 35 inches per day, or 0.00002 miles per hour, and can reach a maximum height of 100 feet. Bamboo is used in many markets around the world, including the manufacture of musical instruments and furniture, as well as a source of food for humans and animals across the world.
See also: 5 fascinating examples of genetically modified organisms and top 10 countries with Zika virus in Americas
