The Hippopotamus is Unique
by Owen Borville
June 29, 2020
Biology
The hippopotamus is a unique animal, extending up to 10-16 feet long and five feet tall while weighing up to 4,000-7000 pounds. Its name comes from the ancient Greek language meaning "river horse."
This herbivorous animal lives in the wetlands, rivers, and swamps of Africa with a lifespan of up to 50 years. Despite being so heavy, the hippopotamus can run up to 20-30 miles per hour, outrunning most humans.
Despite being a plant-eater, the hippo is very aggressive and dangerous to humans and other animals. Many humans have been killed by hippos. Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth along with its heavy size makes the hippo dangerous.
Hippos have glands in their skin that secrete an oily red substance on their skin that acts as a sunblock, insect repellant, and skin moistener along with preventing skin infections. This is a design feature that was the product of a special creation and unique genetic code.
The hippo spends most of its time in the water during the day to keep cool from the hot African climate but must come to the surface every 3-5 minutes to breathe. Hippos can walk across the water floor. Hippos can rise to the water surface to breathe even while sleeping. When out of the water, hippos spend several hours grazing on grass, usually in the evening when the sun goes down.
The hippo has the largest mouth of any land mammal and a strong jaw. The hippo has sharp teeth, including a set of 12-18 inch razor-sharp tusks inside its lips that can be seen when the hippo opens its mouth to yawn, which it can do at almost a 180 degree angle and extending four feet. Hippos also open their mouths to show aggression.
Their eyes, ears and nostrils are positioned to sit on top of its head, a design feature that allows hippos to submerge most of its body underwater and watch its surroundings. Females also give birth in the water.
Fish and other aquatic animals live off of the hippo's body excrement and herds of hippos in the water help its ecosystem.
by Owen Borville
June 29, 2020
Biology
The hippopotamus is a unique animal, extending up to 10-16 feet long and five feet tall while weighing up to 4,000-7000 pounds. Its name comes from the ancient Greek language meaning "river horse."
This herbivorous animal lives in the wetlands, rivers, and swamps of Africa with a lifespan of up to 50 years. Despite being so heavy, the hippopotamus can run up to 20-30 miles per hour, outrunning most humans.
Despite being a plant-eater, the hippo is very aggressive and dangerous to humans and other animals. Many humans have been killed by hippos. Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth along with its heavy size makes the hippo dangerous.
Hippos have glands in their skin that secrete an oily red substance on their skin that acts as a sunblock, insect repellant, and skin moistener along with preventing skin infections. This is a design feature that was the product of a special creation and unique genetic code.
The hippo spends most of its time in the water during the day to keep cool from the hot African climate but must come to the surface every 3-5 minutes to breathe. Hippos can walk across the water floor. Hippos can rise to the water surface to breathe even while sleeping. When out of the water, hippos spend several hours grazing on grass, usually in the evening when the sun goes down.
The hippo has the largest mouth of any land mammal and a strong jaw. The hippo has sharp teeth, including a set of 12-18 inch razor-sharp tusks inside its lips that can be seen when the hippo opens its mouth to yawn, which it can do at almost a 180 degree angle and extending four feet. Hippos also open their mouths to show aggression.
Their eyes, ears and nostrils are positioned to sit on top of its head, a design feature that allows hippos to submerge most of its body underwater and watch its surroundings. Females also give birth in the water.
Fish and other aquatic animals live off of the hippo's body excrement and herds of hippos in the water help its ecosystem.
