What is the scientific name of hippopotamus? The common hippopotamus scientific name is Hippopotamus amphibious.
Hippopotamus amphibius is a zoological and biological name universally accepted by scientists to refer to the common river hippopotamus. The term is derived from the ancient Greek hippos, which means horse, and potamos, which means river; thus, the scientific name literally translates to river horse. The scientific name of hippopotamus indicates its habitat as a water mammal that is partly aquatic.
The Hippopotamus scientific name is important in zoological studies, conservation, and biological classification because it distinguishes the genus Hippopotamus from other mammals. Although in natural habitats, hippos may be referred to as river horses, the term “hippopotamus” gives the exact and internationally recognized taxonomic identity.
What is the scientific name of Hippopotamus?
Hippopotamus amphibius is the scientific name of the hippopotamus. This full scientific name is used in zoological research, biological databases, and international wildlife records. The genus is Hippopotamus and the species is amphibius.
Pronunciation of hippopotamus scientific name:
- Hippopotamus: hip-uh-POT-uh-muss
- Hippopotamus amphibius: hip-uh-POT-uh-muss am-FIB-ee-us
hippopotamus Scientific name meaning:
- Hippopotamus (Greek): hippos = horse, potamos = river → river horse
- Amphibius (Greek): living both in water and land → semi-aquatic mammal
Biological Classification of Hippopotamus
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Hippopotamidae |
| Genus | Hippopotamus |
| Species | amphibius |
This categorization precisely delineates the place of the hippopotamus in the biological hierarchy of terrestrial mammals. The family Hippopotamidae encompasses merely two extant members: the common hippopotamus and the pygmy hippopotamus (scientific name: Choeropsis liberiensis).
Hippopotamus Genus and Species Information
- Genus: Hippopotamus
- Species: amphibius
The genus Hippopotamus incorporates the species of river hippos. Such creatures are counted among the largest semi-aquatic mammals of Earth and are closely related to prehistoric mammals that once existed in Africa millions of years ago.
Related Zoological Facts
- Closest living relatives: Whales and dolphins
- Evolutionary ancestors: Semiaquatic artiodactyls
- Classification importance: Genus helps distinguish between common river hippos and pygmy hippos
Physical Characteristics (Size, Height, Weight)
The hippopotamus is the third-largest mammal on Earth, surpassed only by the elephant and rhinoceros. These animals are aquatic creatures with strong bones, thick skin, and webbed feet.
| Feature | Measurement (Average Adult) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1,500 – 3,200 kg (3,300 – 7,000 lbs) |
| Height | 1.5 meters (5 feet) at the shoulder |
| Length | 3.3 – 5 meters (11 – 16 feet) |
| Color | Grayish-brown skin with pink areas |
| Skin Type | Nearly hairless andyears secretes natural sunscreen |
| Age (Wild) | 40 to 50 years |
| Age (captivity) | 50 to more years |
Hippopotamus Skin and Coloring:
The skin secretes a natural oil called hippuric acid, which serves both as a sunscreen and as an antibiotic. While hippos are thought to be grey, their skin actually secretes a pinkish-red fluid, which at times may give them the appearance of being sunburned.
