Here's why:
* Humans are the most destructive: We have a huge impact on the animal kingdom. Our activities like habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting have led to the extinction of countless species.
* Insects are the most numerous: They eat each other and other insects in massive numbers. While individual insects might not kill many large animals, their sheer volume makes them a powerful force.
* Predators are designed to kill: Animals like lions, sharks, and wolves are apex predators, and their survival depends on hunting. However, their numbers are relatively small compared to other animals.
So, the answer isn't simple. It depends on how you define "kills" and which criteria you prioritize.
Here's a more specific way to think about it:
* Most animals killed by a single species: Humans are likely responsible for the most animal deaths through our activities.
* Most animals killed by an individual: Apex predators like sharks and lions might kill the most individual animals during their lifetime.
* Most animals killed overall: Insects likely kill the largest number of other insects through predation and competition.
Ultimately, the question of which animal kills the most animals is a complex one with no simple answer.