2lions+2whales=2animals or 4animals?
My point is whether the plural form of animal refers to type or number.Thanks beforehand.

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In My opinion. 
1. = 2 types of animals
2. = 4 animals

Answer

Roland's answer is basically correct. Two lions and two whales can be considered to be two types of animals, two different types of animals, two pairs of animals, four animals, four separate animals, four individual animals...

You can substitute "mammals" for "animals" in any of the above examples, since both whales and lions are mammals.