Can Hippos Breathe Under Water
By: NDTVNewsDesk
Image: Pexels
Hippos cannot breathe underwater; they are mammals that breathe air and must hold their breath.
Image: Pexels
As mammals, hippos need to breathe air and do not have gills to extract oxygen from the water.
Image: Pexels
Because they are so dense, they can't float and instead walk or run along the bottom of rivers and lakes.
Image: Pexels
Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are located on the top of their heads so they can see and breathe while the rest of their body is submerged.
Image: Pexels
When fully submerged, their nostrils and ears automatically close to keep water out.
Image: Pexels
Adult hippos can hold their breath for up to five minutes, while a newborn can hold it for about 40 seconds.
Image: Pexels
A subconscious reflex allows them to push off the bottom to briefly surface for air, breathe.
Image: Pexels
They then sink back down without fully waking up, which helps them sleep through the day without drowning.
Image: Pexels
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