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How can a hippopotamus calf nurse underwater?
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hippopotamus
The word hippopotamus is Greek for “river horse,” which reflects their behavior: they are often seen basking on the banks or sleeping in the waters of rivers, lakes, and swamps across Africa. They favor shallow areas where they can sleep half-submerged, though these places can become quite crowded—as many as 150 hippos may use one pool in the dry season.
Hippopotamus calves are able to nurse underwater because they have the ability to close their ears and nostrils, which prevents water from entering these passages while they feed.1
While nursing, the calf may also climb onto its mother's back above the water to rest. This adaptation is part of the hippopotamus's specialized aquatic lifestyle, which also allows them to hold their breath for up to five minutes while submerged.1