Facts about Hippopotamus Submersion Abilities

1. 06

   Hippos' eyes and ears remain above water while submerged due to their positioning approximately 15 centimeters higher on the skull than their nostrils.

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2. 05

   Young hippos must learn to swim and surface for air, as newborn calves can briefly submerge but instinctively nurse underwater from birth.

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3. 04

   During submersion, hippos automatically close their nostrils and ears to prevent water from entering, reflexes that occur without conscious effort.

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4. 03

   A hippo's nostrils, ears, and eyes are positioned high on its head, allowing it to breathe and sense its surroundings while nearly fully submerged.

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5. 02

   While submerged, hippos move along the riverbed by walking or bouncing off the bottom rather than actively swimming.

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6. 01

   Hippopotamuses can remain submerged underwater for up to five minutes before surfacing to breathe.

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