Hobbies And Interests
Physical Appearance
Although the elephant and the hippopotamus are among the largest land mammals, they have very different physical characteristics that helps distinguish each species. The elephant is known for its large trunk. A combination of the nose and the upper lip, the trunk is used to grab food, drink, communicate with each other and smell. An elephant also has two large tusks that are used to dig, clear paths and occasionally fight. Elephants can weigh as much as 14,000 lbs., while hippos can reach 7,000 lbs. The hippopotamus has a plump and bulky body that is set on stumpy legs. Almost hairless, the hippo produces a red fluid that cools the body down in a similar manner as sweat.
Habitat
Both hippopotamuses and elephants are found in multiple countries in Africa. Elephants are also located within Asia in several countries. Elephants typically live in or around forested areas and grasslands, or will occasionally live near marshes and lake shores. Elephants can basically live in any environment that contains an adequate amount of food and water. A hippopotamus lives in rivers, swamps and other bodies of water, as they are semi-aquatic animals. An adult hippo is capable of staying underwater for as long as six minutes and can swim by either kicking its hind legs or walking along the bottom.
Behavior
Hippos are an aggressive animal that is prone to engage in fights daily. It constantly displays its large, formidable teeth as a sign of aggression as well. A hippopotamus has been known to attack humans, even if they do not represent a threat. The elephant is a highly intelligent animal that is social and friendly with other species members. Elephants use low-pitched calls to communicate with each other at distances as long as five to six miles.
Diet
Both the elephant and the hippopotamus are herbivores. According to Out To Africa, the Elephant will spend around 16 hours eating daily. A single elephant will eat around 5 percent of its body weight daily. A typical diet will consist of grass, leaves, twigs, bark, fruit and seed pods. Due to not being as active, a hippopotamus has a modest appetite for its size. Each night, the hippo will graze on grass for four to five hours within a five mile radius of its habitat.