What animals were really on Noahs Ark?

[Murrmurr]

Some estimates put the number of land vertebrate species on earth at around 36,000 to 38,000 (excluding insects and marine life). If the “seven pairs” is applied to clean animals in Genesis 7, that would suggest just over half a million animals, before considering any distinction between clean and unclean species.

According to zoological studies, most animals species living today have evolved and branched off from ancestral species. So it's likely the number taken onto the Arc was only 1% of that 36 to 38 thousand, or even less. Like, maybe only 2 species of canine, 3 species of bovine, 1 of swine, etc.

I can't help wondering how much food would be involved sheer volume of food.

In so many words, I believe the Bible says God put the animals in a state of suspended animation of sorts, like hibernation, so they wouldn't have any needs.

And then there’s the obvious but often overlooked point of, whatever goes in must come out.

If not every specie was in hibernation - for example, maybe birds of flight were exempt - I don't think it could have created a significant problem if the few awake ones used the epically massive flood waters for a toilet.

 

[Murrmurr]

You ask "what is said in the Bible", and I think that has been answered.

If you're interested in MY answer, then there was no Ark, and therefore no animals on it. The very idea is preposterous.

I think we should also give a thought to all the creatures, humans, and plant life that would have been killed and destroyed if such a flood had ever taken place. I don't know where all those bodies and carcasses washed up, but it would have been some time before beach areas were pleasant to be near.

According to interpretations of the few scant references, the Arc ran a-ground on a mountain, or high elevation, anyway. Most point to Mt. Ararat in today's Armenia. Quite a walking distance from any beaches.

 

[C50]

"What animals were really ob Nohas ark?"

I don't believe any of that nonsense but IF I were a believer the correct answer would be all of them.

And that's exactly why I don't believe.

 

[Aunt Bea]

I agree with @Warrigal, When it comes to the Bible, look for the lessons.

Did Jesus feed the 5000 with five loaves of barley bread and two little fish or did he set an example for the crowd and encourage them to share what little they had with the people around them.

“Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” - Mark Twain

 

[Rich]

“But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them.” Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Genesis 6:18-22 (NIV) - But I will establish my covenant wi | YouVersion

Why the heck did they bring mosquitoes???

 

[Sunkist]

 

[bobcat]

An incredulous tale with endless logistical nightmares.
Nevertheless, it has provided humanity with lively debate for centuries, so it deserves some accolades for creative writing.

 

[Rakaia]

No not that predator whose name should not be mentioned.