The name Hippopotamus comes from the Ancient Greek ‘river horse'.
Hippos bask on the shoreline and secrete an oily red substance, which gave rise to the myth that they sweat blood. The liquid is actually a skin moistener and sunblock that may also provide protection against germs.
An adult Hippo needs to resurface every 3 – 5mins to breathe. The process of surfacing and breathing is automatic, and even a hippo sleeping underwater will rise and breathe without waking.
They are only territorial while in the water. Both reproduction and birth occur in the water. Hippo calves weigh approximately 45kg at birth and can suckle on land or underwater by closing their ears and nostrils. Each female has only one calf every two years. Soon after birth, mother and young join schools that provide some protection against crocodiles, lions, and hyenas.
Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it can easily outrun most humans. Hippos have been clocked at 30 km/h over short distances.
Hippos will travel on land for up to 10km to feed. They spend four to five hours grazing and can consume 68 kg of grass each night. Considering their enormous size, a hippo's food intake is relatively low.
The hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive creatures in the world and is often regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. However, if threatened on land it will often run for water.
Their closest living relatives are cetaceans (whales, porpoises, etc.) from which they diverged about 55 million years ago.
The IUCN classified the Hippo as having vulnerable status in 2008. The population is in decline; most dramatically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Thought you might find this interesting. Have a blessed day.
I didn't know about the autonomic breathing. I wonder what does wake them up?
pixipixil
Jun 27, 2018
Great info. Glad you left out the more disgusting habits they have. Interesting they are closest to whales. No wonder they are only territorial in the water. I thought they were related to pigs.
mamag15
Jun 28, 2018
I found them to be very interesting. And they are very mean. I do not care for hippos. Wasn't there a hippo cartoon or something for like that? I can't remember.
pixipixil
Jun 29, 2018
There was another hippo puzzle a while ago. I don't like them either. I think they are mostly ugly but in a way comical. I think Disney used them in Dance of the Hours doing ballet in Fantasia.
mamag15
Jun 29, 2018
I never saw Fantasia.
pixipixil
Jun 29, 2018
It's a real treat. If you can borrow it from a local library I think you would enjoy it. The beginning is abstract designs to Beethoven but after that there are some lovely story-ish animations. There's Sorcerer's Apprentice, Night on Bald Mountain, Dance of the Hours, Dance of the Sugar plum Fairies and several other pieces from the Nutcracker and a few more I forget the music for--one with horses.
aknan
Jun 29, 2018
And there is a beautiful Ave Maria, too. Mamag, DEFINITELY check this movie out. I first saw it in the late 50's, I think, and it has been a favorite of mine since. And pixi, hippos were definitely in Dance of the Hours, along with smarmy crocodiles. The hippos were ballerinas.
mamag15
Jun 30, 2018
I can just picture a hippo in a pink tutu. That is a picture of pure beauty!! LOL
Up late! First one to post! It's going to be in the 90s this weekend. Rough without air conditioning in my house. Water -not the hippo looks inviting. God bless everyone :)
Same here, I just got two window units to tide me over.
tshepherd24
Jun 27, 2018
Hello leia7. I hope it cools off for you where you are very soon so that you can get some relief from the hot weather. Have a great day and God bless you too. :)
Gesundheit.
Can you imagine being near one who actually does sneeze. Yuck. These belong with my other least liked animals along with manatees, sloths and sand worms.
The name Hippopotamus comes from the Ancient Greek ‘river horse'.
Hippos bask on the shoreline and secrete an oily red substance, which gave rise to the myth that they sweat blood. The liquid is actually a skin moistener and sunblock that may also provide protection against germs.
An adult Hippo needs to resurface every 3 – 5mins to breathe. The process of surfacing and breathing is automatic, and even a hippo sleeping underwater will rise and breathe without waking.
They are only territorial while in the water. Both reproduction and birth occur in the water. Hippo calves weigh approximately 45kg at birth and can suckle on land or underwater by closing their ears and nostrils. Each female has only one calf every two years. Soon after birth, mother and young join schools that provide some protection against crocodiles, lions, and hyenas.
Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it can easily outrun most humans. Hippos have been clocked at 30 km/h over short distances.
Hippos will travel on land for up to 10km to feed. They spend four to five hours grazing and can consume 68 kg of grass each night. Considering their enormous size, a hippo's food intake is relatively low.
The hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive creatures in the world and is often regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. However, if threatened on land it will often run for water.
Their closest living relatives are cetaceans (whales, porpoises, etc.) from which they diverged about 55 million years ago.
The IUCN classified the Hippo as having vulnerable status in 2008. The population is in decline; most dramatically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Thought you might find this interesting. Have a blessed day.
Can you imagine being near one who actually does sneeze. Yuck. These belong with my other least liked animals along with manatees, sloths and sand worms.
As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul. — A Jewish Proverb
As soon as you have made a thought, laugh at it. — Lao Tsu
At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities. — Jean Houston
Good night and God bless. Hugs.