How do a hippopotamus’s eyes, ears, and nostrils help it live in water?

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A hippopotamus stands at the edge of a watering hole, with several other hippos partially submerged in the water, surrounded by green vegetation in Botswana, Africa. — 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.

The hippopotamus is highly adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, and its head features are specifically evolved to allow it to remain submerged while staying alert and breathing.12

The eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned high on the top of the head. This strategic placement allows the animal to keep the majority of its bulky body underwater while still being able to see, hear, and breathe above the surface. Furthermore, both the ears and the nostrils are equipped with muscular control, allowing them to be folded shut to effectively keep water out when the hippo submerges. These adaptations enable the animal to remain underwater for at least five minutes at a time.132