Which animal is commonly referred to as the "King of the Jungle"?

The lion is commonly referred to as the "King of the Jungle" due to its position as a top predator and its social structure. Lions are known for living in prides, which enhances their strength and dominance in the animal kingdom. This social behavior, along with their majestic mane and impressive stature, contributes to their regal image. The term "King of the Jungle" symbolizes their perceived fearlessness and leadership in the wild, even though lions do not actually live in jungles but rather in grasslands and savannahs.

The other animals listed, while formidable in their own rights, do not carry the same symbolism or cultural recognition associated with leadership and dominance as the lion does. The tiger, for instance, is a powerful solitary hunter revered in many cultures but lacks the social structure of lions. Elephants, known for their intelligence and strong familial bonds, do not have the same predatory status, and leopards, although skilled hunters, are smaller and usually solitary, which contrasts with the lion's pride-oriented behavior. Thus, the lion’s characteristics and the cultural references surrounding it justify its title as the "King of the Jungle."