Definition
A hippopotamus, often simply called a hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. The name refers to two species within the family Hippopotamidae: the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), which lives in rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps, and the smaller, reclusive pygmy hippopotamus. Hippos are characterized by their barrel-shaped torsos, enormous mouths and teeth, nearly hairless bodies, and massive size, being the third-largest land mammal by weight (after elephants and some rhinoceroses).
Etymology and Origin
The word hippopotamus comes from the Greek words hippos, meaning “horse”, and potamos, meaning “river”, thus “river horse”. This name reflects the ancient Greeks’ observation of hippos’ semi-aquatic lifestyle and their tendency to spend much of their time in water. Despite their name and aquatic habits, hippos are more closely related to cetaceans (whales and dolphins) than to equine species.
