Hippo Structure

Animal Group

Hippopotamuses, also called Hippos, are large mammals. Their name which means “river horse” in Greek, gives a clue about their lives. Thy spend most of their time swimming in rivers and lakes. There are two species, or kinds of Hippos, one is the Nile, or Common, Hippo. These hippos are more abundant and a better known type. The other is the pygmy hippo, which is less familiar to people because it is rarely seen. Hippopotamuses are related to pig, camels and giraffes. All these animals eat mainly plants and have an even number of toes on each foot. A Nile hippo’s binomial name is hippopotamidae amphibious. A pygmy Hippo’s binomial name is choeopsis liberiensis. Physical Structure

A Common Hippo has a barrel-shaped body, and short heavy legs. They have thick, wrinkly skin on their back to protect them from enemies. A common hippo’s eyes are on top of its head. As are its ears and nostrils. Also, an adult hippo has
Pygmy hippo bulls usually live alone. Common hippo bulls set up territories near nursery groups off females and their young. The strongest bulls are able to claim territories or refuges, close to a nursery. Being near the females increases a bull’s chances of mating. Weak bulls must settle for refuges that are farther away. A challenge takes place when one bull enters another’s territory. Both bulls open their moths to show of their tremendous tusks. They also, champ their jaws together and wrestle. If one Hippo feels overpowered it would retreat. Otherwise, the battle begins. They shoot explosions of water from their noses and pelt their rivals with a flood of waves. The muddy water in now a bloody red. The battles can go on for over an hour. The one thats defeated will limp away and heal in several different ways. The victorious bull takes over the refuge. The bull can then mate with the females that pass through his