Toughest animal on earth revealed after AI calculates which beast would win in terrifying virtual fight – see the top 10

THE elephant has been crowned the toughest animal on earth — beating a tiger in a terrifying virtual fight.

Scientists pitted 256 species against each other with the aid of AI tech.

The African elephant used its tusks, 10-ton weight and 13ft height to smash an African rock python, colossal squid and saltwater crocodile.

It then triumphed over the undefeated Siberian tiger in the final, potentially putting to bed many a pub argument.

US wildlife biologist Dr Arjun Dheer was unsurprised.

He said: “The elephant’s huge size, combined with its strength and intelligence, has long placed it at the top of the animal kingdom.”

The croc, described as “an aquatic behemoth” came third.

The hippo, with a “deceptively powerful bite”, was a surprise fourth in the scraps arranged by Animal Match-up.

It said: “We created an arena where these magnificent creatures clashed in the closest approximation to real-world scenarios.”