What is the difference between the hippo and is it the same? Hippo and hippo: types, parameters

In this article, we will consider the difference between the hippo and hippo. And if there is a difference, then what exactly.

Content

Hippo and hippo - these are two different words and opinions were divided about their meaning. Some think that these are just synonyms, while others believe that these are the names of completely different animals. How to call a hippo or hippopotam, you should understand in detail, or maybe these are the name of the same paired cake (yes, they belong to this detachment).

What is the difference between the hippo and is it the same?

A hippo or hippo is a very large and aggressive animal. In order not to walk in circles for a long time, we recall the biology course and establish an accurate diagnosis. The fact is that they belong to the same genus - hippopotams (in Latin, Hippopotamus).

Important: this is the only modern look of this kind.

We also note that hippo and hippo are related to the contract (the detachment we have already indicated above) pig -shaped animals.
- By the way, yes, these animals do not chew chewing gum. No, not the one that you and I used to see on the store sheet. Noticed how cows or goats chew grass. Long and carefully, like a chewing gum.
But the family in these animals is called hippo.

Therefore, such confusion arose in words. You can already say exactly one thing - this is the same animal.And why two different names arose. Not only the names of the genus and the family contributed to what the animal is called two different words. There is also the etymological side of these words.

The nuance is still hidden in the fact that words have different roots of origin.

Hippo is a word from the Hebrew language. The name "Behemoth" is translated as "beast" or "animal, cattle." The name is indicated approximately, since there are no letters of the Jewish alphabet.
Hippopotamus of Greek origin. The word "hippopotamus" means "river or water horse."
- By the way! It is believed that the Greeks saw such a mammal in the water, or rather only nostrils, eyes and ears. And in its large dimensions, the animal resembled a horse, and therefore such a version of the name arose.

Hippo (aka Hippo) is one of the largest animals in the world. By the way, after the elephants of the hippo they compete only with rhinos. For the second place in mass among terrestrial animals.

Interesting information! Previously, pigs were considered the only relatives (even classes are similar), but recently, scientists have been more related to kits. Perhaps this is due to great weight and great love for water. But the pig cannot be called not what is the most, but in general cleaning animals. After all, we know how the pig likes to lie in the mud.

Therefore, one more explanation by different name. A hippo is a more spoken and simplified form of the name. But correctly, as they say, they need to call them hippopotams in a scientific one. After all, it is known that most scientific and medical terms are taken from Latin and Greek.

Interesting! Hippo is mentioned even in the Bible. It is described as one of the two monsters (along with Leviathan) and is considered the minister of Satan. Moreover, he is often mentioned as the mythological creature of human temptations. For example, in the Middle Ages, a hippo was called a demon of gluttony. Also, according to some versions, Hippo prompts in the person “brutal inclinations”, the desire to faded and blasphemous.

Perhaps such associations with this animal are due to its behavior. A few words about their behavior.

We repeat that the hippo acts as an aggressive animal. Moreover, this animal has not been studied to the end. Again, the reason for this is his unwillingness to “communicate” with people and the ability to attack at any moment. But another reason is that the hippo is mainly in the day only in the water.

Important: a hippo compared to other animals very quickly loses moisture from the body. Therefore, it receives it through the contact of the skin with water.

And recall! That the hippos are in a hot climate. More precisely, in Africa, approximately from the south of the Sahara desert (and it is very hot there during the day). Before the Middle Ages, one could find even in Egypt or in the Middle East.
According to statistics from Hippo attacks in Africa, more people die than, for example, from the mouth of lions and leopards, as well as from the aggression of buffalo.
It is not rare from the struggle between the males that one of them dies.
He does not let people close to him. And if someone dares to break his comfort zone, then it will not be possible to escape from his pressure.

Hippo and hippo: types, parameters

First, let's talk about its parameters. Yes, we have already mentioned that this is the second (along with rhinos) the most animal after the elephant. And he does not have much similarity with any animals. Therefore, it is impossible to confuse or not notice the hippo. First of all, we will give a general description.

Consider the body of the animal:

If we talk about the weight category, then it ranges from 1,500 to 2000 kg. If we are talking about females, then they are only 200-300 kg less than a male. By the way, according to some sources, the greatest weight of the male reached 3,500 and even 4000 kg.
The shape of the body in the hippo is barrel -like and massive, a little reminiscent of a pear (recall the Gloria from the cartoon "Madagascar"). The legs of the hippo are short and thick, which makes it even more heavy and massive. By the way, the belly of such an animal practically concerns the earth when walking.
- By the way! Hippo all his life gains weight. Therefore, the oldest hippos, respectively, weigh a lot. And until 10 years of their lives, both partners weigh the same way, then males gain more muscle mass.
Their paws also require special attention, since they have fingers, membranes and hooves. Yes, it sounds a little strange. They have four fingers on each paw, at the ends of which there is a kind of hoof. And between them are membranes, which allow the hippos to swim well. Moreover, such a massive animal can easily move around the swamps. Yes, it is precisely because of the presence of the very membranes that make the paw wide when walking.
The skin of the hippo is as thick, or rather, corresponds to the weight of the animal. It has a thick thickness of 4 cm, but around the tail is the thinnest. Its color is from a gray tone to a gray-brown background. Around the eyes and ears, as well as on the belly, has a pinkish tint.
There is no hair on the skin of hippopotama. Practically. There are small bristles at the end of the tail and around the ears. On the back and sides there are also small hairs (more for males), but they are barely noticeable. They resemble pork bristles, therefore, perhaps, it is akin to such an animal.

Important: they do not have sebaceous or sweat glands, and without prolonged external moisture under the scorching sun, the skin of a hippo dries and even cracks.

But! But nature took care of this. They have (only inherent in fussing representatives) of the gland that distinguish a special secret of red. It is he who protects the skin from sunburn. But it looks very impressive and a little frightening - bloody sweat flows through the body of the animal. Moreover! Recently (in 2004), scientists have found that the so -called sweat has wonderful antiseptic properties and serves as a frightening signal from blood -sucking insects.

The tail of a hippo is also an unusual shape. It is almost round at the base and gradually narrows to an end, becoming flat. Its length can be a maximum of 55-60 cm, which, of course, is very small for such a overall animal. But its function is very important - the hippopotamus marks the territory. Yes, he scatters his eye with his tail.
Of course, such a bulky animal has a massive skeleton, and the vertebrae are highly stability and endurance. Still, withstand so much weight. The hippo has 13 pairs of ribs.

Interesting! The blade also has a slightly specific structure. It is located almost vertically, but forms almost one line with front paws.

The head and teeth are obvious and specific attributes.

The head of the animal requires special attention, since it is more than peculiar. More precisely, she has a rectangular shape (if you look into the profile). The front is dull, wide and even. By the way, by weight, only the head itself takes 800-1000 kg, that is, it is ¼ of the total body weight.
The ears, the nostrils and eyes of the hippo are also located slightly unusual - in one cavity. Recall that hippo spends most of the time under water, and such a feature allows him to breathe, hear and observe.

Interesting! Their eyes are small and round, immersed in fleshy eyelids. The ears, by the way, are also a similar shape - small and round, very mobile (the animal drives away annoying insects and birds when it is in the water). And the nostrils (naturally round) are relatively rather big and directed upwards.

And further! In a male near the nostrils there are pine -shaped bloating, which are the basis of large fangs.
The mouth of the hippo protrudes like his business card. How many animals we know that they can open the mouth as much as 150 degrees. And the width of its jaws is 60-70 cm (of course, depending on age).
The teeth of the hippo give a little frightening look and it has as many as 36. They have 4 pairs of incisors, 2 pairs of fangs and 6 forced and root teeth. By the way, they are very durable and hard and covered with yellow enamel. Many are wondering why there are so many herbivores of the animal and such large teeth. The fact is that incisors and fangs are used as a weapon, as well as to break the same food (vegetation). Hippos love to rummage in salted soil and eat it, here is another reason.

Important: in males, fangs are much larger and longer than females. They can grow up to 60 cm in length, and reach 3 kg in weight. Especially on the lower jaw. Their shape is sickle and bend back (with a large length). They have no roots and grow all their lives.

And further! With the loss of the upper fang, natural erasing of the teeth disappears, so the opposite tooth on the lower jaw can grow up to 1 meter. Of course, it bends too much and makes it difficult to eat food.

Interesting! The cubs have a 32 -tooth hippo (they have less than 2 incisors and 2 root teeth). Milk teeth are changing in the first year of life.

There were several types of hippos: European, Cretan and Cyprus, as well as the Maltese, Madagascar and giant. There were also hippos of the species: gorgops, Laloumen and Pentlandi. All these species are recognized as extinct, so we will lower the mention of them.

Important: today there is only one type of family (except for an ordinary hippo) - a dwarf hippo.

Hippo is considered a vulnerable and rare animal. There are only 120-150 thousand heads. Therefore, they are on the verge of a decrease in the genus.

What species have remained.

The hippo is ordinary (aka hippo) It has large sizes. The length of his body reaches 3 meters on average, and some representatives even reach 5.4 meters. In the shoulders, the hippo reaches a height of 1.5-1.65 meters. Above, we described the basic characteristics of the hippos. It is fully consistent with them, so we will not repeat itself.
Dwarf hippo. It is similar to an ordinary hippo, but has significant differences. First of all, it should be highlighted that this type is to another genus - Hexaprotodon. But, nevertheless, they are considered relatives. Now let's talk about the appearance.
- The dwarf hippo is much smaller (its length is 150-180 cm, and the height is only 75-85 cm) and easier (they weigh only 175-230 kg). Yes, also an impressively large animal, but significantly loses to the usual hippo.
- He has a more slender body, let's say. The legs are longer, the neck is visible (it is difficult to discern it in an ordinary hippo), and the back has a slight slope forward.
- It should be noted that the nostrils of the dwarf hippo are not so pronounced and do not protrude too much beyond the skull. The eyes, by the way, are also not too standing out.

Important: their sweat does not contain blood particles, so it only has a pink shade (and not bright red).

The teeth of this species are also much smaller (which is quite natural) and they have only one pair of incisors (recall that Hippopotam has two of them).
The membranes that are characteristic of an ordinary hippo are not so much developed. But their weight also allows you to move well along an unstable surface.
The skin is undoubtedly not so bulky. Yes, it is much thinner and has a different color-dark brown or black with a greenish tint.
Dwarf hippos can be much longer without water.

Important: today dwarf hippos do not have 1000 goals! They are on the grain of extinction!

The closest relatives of the dwarf hippo are the Madagascar and Nigerian hippo. But they are also considered extinct views.

A few words about their inhabitation.

We have already said that the main continent of their habitat is Africa. But the very heart (let's say) their residence is Eastern and Southeast Africa. More precisely, these are the territories of Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda, as well as hippos live on the ground of Malawi and Mozambique.
West Africa is the most extensive for the habitat of hippos. But their number is too small (up to 7000 goals).
- Relatively! For example, in Zambia there are 40 thousand heads, in the state of Mozambique there are about 80 thousand heads.
The dwarf hippo is more concentrated in West Africa, more precisely, in Liberia, Sierra-Lyon, the Guinea Republic and in the state of the cat-d’Ivoire.
And you need to look for hippos on the shore of ponds. By the way, the hippo is considered freshwater animals. But cases were recorded when the hippos swam (if necessary) considerable sections (up to 30 meters) in sea water.
For them, a necessary and important condition is the presence of a row of greenery. By the way, the hippo is not able to migrate over long distances, since it will simply disappear without water.

Interesting! The droppings of a hippo affects the amount of fish in the pond. Yes that's right. After all, from the school curriculum, we know that in nature exists between all an interdependent cycle. Phytoplankton, which is loved by fish, multiplies from the litter of a hippo.

And a little more interesting facts from the life of Hippopotam.

By the way, hippos live no less - 40 years. If we are talking about wildlife conditions. In the zoo with proper care and nutrition, they can live 10 years longer. And even a case was registered when the female lived as long as 60 years.
It is no secret that hippo is herbivores. By the way, they bite the grass almost in the root, so after lunch the hippo remains a trimmed pasture. But recently, other assumptions have been circulating around the hypopotams. Yes, he is attributed to the status of a predator.
- Interesting! Scientists associate this with the lack of salts and minerals in the body of a large animal. Therefore, the shots on which the hippo eats gazelle, antelopes, cows and even carrion are photographed.
- And further! Hippos eat a lot - a day he can eat as many as 70 kg of food. But for his body, more precisely, in order to get enough, 40 is enough. Its long stomach (up to 60 meters!) A little peculiarly absorbs food, making it more nutritious. That is, for example, an elephant in the ratio of its weight and food needs 2-3 times more.
Hippoposits do not eat algae, they eat only ground herbs, ferns and some fruits. By the way, the hippo eats at night. Yes, in the afternoon he sleeps in cool water, and at night goes to lunch (or dinner) until dawn.
When the hippo eats, he does not like rivals, like any other wild animal. In other words, they eat separately and do not share with each other. Well, except for mom and her cubs.
Although hippos live in herds (small, up to 40 goals). As a herd, it looks more like a flock of females led by the strongest hippo. So he should not only protect his territory, but also constantly prove in battle that he is the best and worthy candidate. Males live one by one or organize their groups.
- But! The dwarf hippos rarely gather in even small groups, they like free loneliness. By the way, even in a pack, they do not show aggression so much, and in general they do not lead such battles for leadership and mating.

Speaking of reproduction:

The female gives birth in water, although nothing will prevent her from conducting it on land. The hippo 8 (according to some reports of 9) months is bearing their offspring. The baby is born alone, but since the hippo can only become pregnant only after 17 months, they are born on average once every two years. But this is a relatively good indicator (elephants are worn for only two years).
Hippoposits also have puberty earlier: in males this age begins at 7-8 years, and in females-an average of 9-10 years. Mating occurs clearly on schedule - in August and February.
For mating with the female, the struggle of males is always taking place. The strongest survives (they really have a fight to death), he becomes a leader and can own a harem. Therefore, the skin of the hippos is dotted with scars.
The expectant mother leaves the flock before giving birth and for 10 days is next to her newborn cub. By the way, at this moment she does not eat anything to be closer to the baby.
- Interesting! Another similarity with whales - kids can drink milk from a mother underwater. But on land they do this perfectly. The lactation period itself takes a year or one and a half.

In conclusion, I also wanted to mention what threats this animal had.

If we talk about enemies in the wild world, then there are few of them. More precisely, two are a lion and a crocodile. Still, two leading representatives.
The hippos are sick, as they say, with ordinary wild diseases. Most often, they are subjected to anthrax, and can also become infected with the plague of cattle and tuberculosis.
The droughts, the change of place of residence and migration in a small percentage affect the number of hippos. Recall that they cannot be without water for a long time and do not tolerate long trips.
But a person does the greatest and most significant harm!
- The first reasons for reducing the number of hippos are new buildings that violate the natural balance.
- The second reason is much worse - this is poaching. African residents mainly attack this animal for meat production. Yes, you see, in their living conditions (not everywhere) you begin to hunt any animals. Less often, hunters want to get his bones.