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Information
They're ears, eyes and nostrils all are on the top of
their heads. All this is so they can completely stay
underwater but still be aware of their surroundings.
Hippos are also airtight because they can close their
ears and nostrils when they submerge so no water leaks
in? They have 4 toes on each hoof which are very close
together, this is to help them swim under water - like
webbed feet. Their skin is about 1/2 (half) inch thick,
and is very sensitive to sunlight, which is another
reason why they're always in the water, or in mud holes.
They have no sweat glands or scent glands, but they
do have a subcutaneous Mucous Gland. This gland secretes
a pink-ish to red-ish oily liquid that helps in keeping
the hippos skin from drying out. Hippos prefer the slow
flowing waters. They are most often found in slow moving
streams, creeks, rivers, or in lakes that are just deep
enough so they can submerge. In order for a hippo to
stay on the surface they have to paddle their 4-toed
hooves! Many times the hippo will totally submerge underwater
and walk along the bottom.
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