Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Classification
- Domain Eukarya~ Domain Eukarya contains organisms that are multicellular or single celled. Each of their cells contains a nucleus.
- Kingdom Animalia~ All are multicellular, and consume other organisms for energy, making them heterotophs. They also have tissues made up of cells that are specialized to preform different functions that help them survive.
- Phylum Chordata~ This group contains a notochord, which is a rod-like cord of cells, have bilateral symmetry, and have a single, hollow nerve cord that connects to the brain.
- Subphylum Vertebrata~ All have a vertebral column, which is a chain of bony elements, and a bony endoskeleton, which is the internal skeleton of the animal. Their movements are provided by their muscles.
- Order Artiodactyla~ Most species in this group have two to four toes on each foot. They are herbivores, and have laterally positioned eyes, rotating ears, and powerful legs.
- Family Hippopotamidae~ Members of the hippopotamus family live in both land and water, and are excellent swimmers. They are herbivores, and eat different types of vegetation. They have four toes on each foot that support the body.
- Genus Hippopotamus~ This genus includes the hippopotamus.
- Species~ Hippopotamus amphibius
General Description
Length~ The hippopotamus's head and body is 9.5 to 16.5 ft (2.5 to 5 m). Its tail is about 1 and 1/3 to 1 and 3/4 ft.
Color~ The hippopotamus's main color is a deep purple-grey color to a blue-black color.
Their underparts and areas around the eyes and ears are a brownish-pink color. Since they lack a large amount of fur and hair, they do not have a pattern on their bodies. However, the color on their skin helps them blend with their surroundings.
Natural Range~ Hippopotamuses mostly live near waters of tropical and subtropical Africa.
Diet~ During the day, hippos eat water plants. At night, they walk on land in order to look for different types of vegetation to eat.
Habitat Description~ Hippopotamuses live in areas with water that is deep, and stay in habitats with reed beds and grasslands.
Predators~ Humans are the main predators of this animal. They hunted hippos for their meat, and presently for their teeth that are made of ivory. Other predators include lions and crocodiles.
A Hiding Hippo
Yummy, Vegetables!
Natural Range Map
Physical Adaptations
Behavioral Adaptations
The Life of a Hippopotamus
References
Burton, M. (2002). Hippopotamus. In International wildlife encyclopedia (3rd ed., Vol. 9, pp. 1192-1195). New York, NY: Marshall Cavendish.
Distribution [Image]. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Hippopotamus
Eating hippo [Image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hippoworlds.com/wp-content/uploads/eating_hippo_624.jpg
Hippopotamus. (n.d.). Retrieved March 19, 2015, from Encyclopedia of Life website: http://eol.org/pages/311532/overview#Reproduction
Hippopotamus. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2015, from Animal Planet website: http://www.animalplanet.com/wild-animals/hippopotamus/
Hippopotamuses wallowing and swimming [Video file]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.arkive.org/hippopotamus/hippopotamus-amphibius/video-02.html
Hippopotamus hiding [Image]. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.redbubble.com/people/davidodd/works/624253-hippopotamus-hiding
Hippopotamus, hippopotamus amphibius, & pygmy hippopotamus, choeropsis liberiensis. (2001). Retrieved March 19, 2015, from San Diego Zoo Global website: http://library.sandiegozoo.org/factsheets/hippo/hippo_summary.htm
Mammals | hippo. (2015). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from San Diego Zoo Global website: http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/hippo
mason, k. 2013. "Hippopotamus amphibius" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed
March 11, 2015 at http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hippopotamus_amphibius/