In English, the plural is "hippopotamuses", but "hippopotami" is also used; "hippos" can be used as a short plural. Hippopotamuses
Hippopotamus
The common hippopotamus, or hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus. The name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse". After the …
What is a group of hippos called?
Hippopotamuses also called hippos, living in groups of up to 40 animals, called a pod, herd, school or bloat. Click to see full answer. Also question is, why is a group of hippos called a bloat?
What is a pygmy hippopotamus called?
Hippopotamus is the type genus of the family Hippopotamidae. The pygmy hippopotamus belongs to a different genus in Hippopotamidae, either Choeropsis or Hexaprotodon.
What is the root word of hippopotamus?
Hippopotamus comes from the greek word "hippo" meaning horse. The greeks called hippopotamus' water horses. Hope this answer was helpful Which group of animals move most earth per annum? hippopotamus What is River horse called? The hippopotamus is sometimes called the river horse. What is hippopotamus called in hindi?
What is the oldest known hippopotamid?
The oldest known hippopotamid is the genus Kenyapotamus, which lived in Africa from 16 to 8 million years ago. While hippopotamid species spread across Asia and Europe, no hippos have ever been discovered in the Americas, although various anthracothere genera emigrated into North America during the early Oligocene.
What is the collective noun of wildebeest?
A group of wildebeest is called a confusion. Wildebeest are native to Africa and every year they have a giant migration, where around two million of them join together to search for greener areas.Jun 6, 2019
What is a giraffe gathering?
Take giraffe for example: “a tower” is their collective noun, and we can't think of a better way to describe a group of these gangly giants, towering as they do above all but the tallest trees around them. A group of giraffe are called a 'tower', which is a great example of collective nouns at their descriptive best.Jan 11, 2019
What is a group of porcupines called?
It could hardly be more apt, but a congregation of these spiky creatures is called a prickle. The needle-sharp spikes on the "quill pig", as the porcupine is known in Latin, can be up to 30 centimeters long.Mar 9, 2015
What do you call a moving group of giraffes?
The long neck allows the mammal to tower other animals and even reach the top of tall trees. The name “journey” is commonly used to describe a group of giraffes, particularly when they're on the move.
What is a group of jellyfish called?
A group of jellyfish is called a SMACK! Here are more collective nouns for ocean animals you might not know...May 7, 2020
What is a group of rhino called?
crashA group of rhinos is called a crash.
What is group of monkeys called?
• Monkeys: a barrel or a troop.
What is a group of donkeys called?
A group of donkeys is called a drove.Jun 17, 2017
What is a group of foxes called?
Usually, a group of foxes is called a skulk, earth, and sometimes also referred to as leash of foxes. They are also sometimes referred to as pack and lead of foxes. Female foxes are known as vixens, whereas male foxes are known as dogs, reynards, or tods. Kits, cubs, and pups are the names given to baby foxes.Mar 11, 2022
What is a group of ladybugs called?
A group of ladybugs is called a “loveliness.”Jan 17, 2020
What's a group of otters called?
A group of resting otters is called a raft. A raft of otters resting in a group.Sep 14, 2021
What is a group of sloths called?
A Snuggle of Sloths As you can see, a “snuggle” of sloths was the resounding winner, which now makes this the most popular term for a group of sloths!
What is a group of hippos called?
Hippos have numerous collective nouns, and a group of hippos is often referred to as a crash, bloat, herd, pod or dale. Here are some more facts on this incredible mammal: Hippopotamuses are found in Africa.
What is the most common collective noun for a group of fish?
The most common collective nouns for a group of fish in general are school and shoal. Both the words have evolved from the same common Dutch root ‘schole’ meaning a troop or crowd.
What are the names of the Dumbledore group chat?
Group Chat Names for Class Dumbledore’s Army. The Nerd Herd. Fantastic Four. Life of Pi. We Who Shall Not Be Named. This Group is A+ The Collective. 39 Clues.
Who is the best selling girl group in history?
The Spice Girls are the best-selling girl group in history.
Where is the hippopotamus native to?
The hippopotamus ( / ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs / HIP-ə-POT-ə-məs; Hippopotamus amphibius ), also called the hippo, common hippopotamus or river hippopotamus, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal and ungulate native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus ( Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis ). The name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse" ( ἱπποπόταμος ).
What are the closest relatives of hippos?
Several lines of evidence, first from blood proteins, then from molecular systematics and DNA and the fossil record, show that their closest living relatives are cetaceans ( whales, dolphins, and porpoises ).
What are hippos famous for?
Ever since Obaysch inspired the "Hippopotamus Polka", hippos have been popular animals in Western culture for their rotund appearance that many consider comical. Stories of hippos such as Huberta, which became a celebrity in South Africa in the 1930s for trekking across the country; or the tale of Owen and Mzee, a hippo and tortoise which developed an intimate bond; have amused people who have bought hippo books, merchandise, and many stuffed hippo toys. Hippos were mentioned in the novelty Christmas song " I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas " that became a hit for child star Gayla Peevey in 1953. They also feature in the songs "The Hippopotamus" and "Hippo Encore" by Flanders and Swann, with the famous refrain "Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud". They even inspired a popular board game, Hungry Hungry Hippos.
How far back did hippos diverge?
While the fossil record of hippos is still poorly understood, the two modern genera, Hippopotamus and Choeropsis (sometimes Hexaprotodon ), may have diverged as far back as 8 million years ago . Taxonomists disagree whether or not the modern pygmy hippopotamus is a member of Hexaprotodon —an apparently paraphyletic genus, also embracing many extinct Asian hippopotamuses, that is more closely related to Hippopotamus —or of Choeropsis, an older and basal genus.
How did the Malagasy hippopotamus go extinct?
Three species of Malagasy hippopotamus became extinct during the Holocene on Madagascar, one of them within the past 1,000 years. The Malagasy hippos were smaller than the modern hippo, likely through the process of insular dwarfism. Fossil evidence indicates many Malagasy hippos were hunted by humans, a likely factor in their eventual extinction. Isolated members of Malagasy hippos may have survived in remote pockets; in 1976, villagers described a living animal called the kilopilopitsofy, which may have been a Malagasy hippo.
Why are hippo populations declining?
The decline is attributed to the disruptions caused by the Second Congo War. The poachers are believed to be Mai-Mai rebels, poorly paid Congolese soldiers, and local militia groups. Reasons for poaching include the belief that hippos are harmful to society, as well as financial gain. However, as of 2016, the Virunga hippo population appears to have increased, possibly due to greater enforcement and cooperation between fishermen and park authorities. The sale of hippo meat is illegal, but black-market sales are difficult for Virunga National Park officers to track. Hippo meat is considered a delicacy in some areas of central Africa and the teeth have become a valued substitute for elephant ivory.
How fast can a hippos run?
Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it is capable of running 30 km/h (19 mp h) over short distances. Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps, where territorial males preside over a stretch of river and groups of five to thirty females and young hippos.
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Overview
The hippopotamus , also called the hippo, common hippopotamus, or river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). Its name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος).
Etymology
The Latin word hippopotamus is derived from the ancient Greek ἱπποπόταμος, hippopótamos, from ἵππος, híppos, 'horse', and ποταμός, potamós, 'river', meaning "horse of the river". In English, the plural is "hippopotamuses", but "hippopotami" is also used.
Taxonomy and origins
The modern hippopotamus and the pygmy hippopotamus are the only living members of the family Hippopotamidae. Some taxonomists group hippos and anthracotheres in the superfamily Anthracotheroidea. Hippopotamidae are classified along with other even-toed ungulates in the order Artiodactyla.
Five subspecies of hippos have been described based on morphological differe…
Characteristics and adaptations
The hippopotamus is a megaherbivore and is exceeded in size among land animals only by elephants and some rhinoceros species. The mean adult weight is around 1,480 kg (3,260 lb) for bulls and 1,365 kg (3,010 lb) for cows. Exceptionally large males have been recorded reaching 2,660 kg (5,860 lb). Male hippos appear to continue growing throughout their lives, while females reach …
Distribution and status
Hippopotamus amphibius was widespread in North Africa and Europe during the Eemian and late Pleistocene until about 30,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence exists of its presence in the Levant, dating to less than 3,000 years ago. The species was common in Egypt's Nile region during antiquity, but it has since been driven out. According to Pliny the Elder, in his time, the best location in Eg…
Behaviour and ecology
Hippos differ from all other large land mammals as they are semiaquatic, spending their days in lakes and rivers. They require habitat with enough water to submerge themselves in and which has plenty of grass nearby. When bodies of water feature firm, smooth, sloping beaches, larger numbers of hippos may congregate. Male hippos may also be found in very small numbers in rapid wat…
Hippos and humans
The earliest evidence of human interaction with hippos comes from butchery cut marks on hippo bones found at the Bouri Formation and dated to around 160,000 years ago. Later rock paintings and engravings showing hippos being hunted have been found in the Tassili n'Ajjer Mountains of the central Sahara near Djanet, dated to 4,000–5,000 years ago The ancient Egyptians recognised the h…
See also
• Armley Hippo
• Owen and Mzee - hippo and tortoise who bonded
What Is A Group of Hippos called?
- Generally, it is called a “bloat”. But the congregation of 10 to 15 individuals is called “herds” or “pods”. Sometimes it is termed a “school” with a community of up to 40 individuals.
Social Structure of Hippopotamus
- Unlike many animals, hippopotami live in groups. These groups consist of several males and females. They stay close and tend to do everything together. Hippopotamuses are territorial creatures in the water. The groups take a long bath in the water holes for long hours together. A male hippo is dominant in each herd. He is the one in control. However, some other males stay i…
The History Behind The Naming of Hippo Herds
- In the earlier days, men had to hunt for a living. They knew about a lot of animals and their behavior. They had to know their collective nouns also. Because in the wild, it is a life or death situation. If a man doesn’t know the name for “a group of hippos”, he can’t warn his fellow hunters about the impending danger. So they had to keep all sorts of knowledge. But surprisingly, these …
Conclusion
- What do you call a group of hippos? It is called a bloat. Sometimes it is even named a school, a herd, or a pod. It depends on how big the group is. The collective names of the animal have been used in the English language for a long time. You might also be interested in: 1. Hippo Life Cycle | How Long Does A Hippo Live? 2. How much does a hippopot...