Which of the following seabirds is recognised as the largest living seabird species in terms of wingspan?

Introduction:
Oceanic birds show many adaptations for long distance flight over open water. One key adaptation is large wings that allow efficient gliding. This question tests your knowledge of which seabird holds the record for the greatest wingspan among living species, a fact commonly highlighted in general knowledge resources.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Options include great frigatebird, brown pelican, wandering albatross and northern gannet. - The focus is on living seabirds, not on extinct ones. - The comparison is based on wingspan, not body weight. - We assume average or maximum recorded wingspans used in standard references.

Concept / Approach:
The wandering albatross is famous for having the largest wingspan of any living bird, reaching more than three metres in some individuals. This enormous wingspan allows the bird to soar for long periods over the southern oceans with minimal energy expenditure. While frigatebirds and pelicans also have large wings, their spans are generally smaller than that of the wandering albatross. Remembering this record making feature is the key to answering correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that quiz books often mention wandering albatross as the bird with the greatest wingspan. Step 2: Compare it with great frigatebird, brown pelican and northern gannet, which have large but not record breaking wingspans. Step 3: Note that the wandering albatross uses dynamic soaring over the southern oceans, which requires extremely long wings. Step 4: Select wandering albatross as the seabird that matches the description in the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Bird guides and encyclopedias consistently list the wandering albatross as having the largest wingspan among living birds, often giving ranges around 3 to 3.5 metres. This provides a reliable cross check supporting the answer. Other seabirds mentioned in the options reach around 2 to 2.5 metres at most.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Great frigatebird: Very long winged and excellent at gliding, but its wingspan does not exceed that of the wandering albatross. Brown pelican: Large coastal seabird with a distinctive throat pouch; its wingspan is impressive but still shorter than that of the wandering albatross. Northern gannet: Strong diver and flier, yet again its wingspan is smaller than the record holding albatross.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners might choose great frigatebird because they associate it with long wings and soaring behaviour, or they may guess brown pelican due to its large body size. It is important to separate body bulk from wingspan and to recall that the wandering albatross is specifically celebrated for record breaking wings. Reviewing record lists for fastest, biggest and longest animals helps in such questions.

Final Answer:
The largest seabird by wingspan among the options is the Wandering albatross.