Question

Task 1, Look at the photo. Why do hippos sleep in the water ? hippos Wild hippopotamuses live in central Africa. They're All about big and fat. They have small eyes, small ears and short legs. They also have very big teeth! Adult hippos are usually three to four metres long, and by Sam Wilson they run very fast! Hippos often sleep in water during the day because the water is cool. They usually come out of the water at night and eat. They only eat plants. They can eat up to 40 kg of grass in one night, and they sometimes travel up to 10 km to find food, Hippos are very dangerous. Every year they kill hundreds of people!

Answer 1

Hippos often sleep in water because the water is cool

Answer 2

Hippos often sleep in water during the day primarily because the water offers them a cool and comfortable environment. Given their large size and the hot climate of central Africa where they live, hippos can easily overheat if they are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Sleeping in the water helps regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.

In addition to temperature regulation, there are other advantages to sleeping in water for hippos. The buoyancy of the water supports their massive bodies, reducing the strain on their legs and muscles that they would experience if they were sleeping on land. This buoyancy also allows them to rest more easily without expending excessive energy.

It's worth noting that while hippos are commonly seen resting or sleeping in water, they are not true aquatic animals like whales or dolphins. They are semi-aquatic mammals, which means they spend a significant amount of time both in water and on land. They typically leave the water at night to feed on plants, as their diet consists mainly of grasses. However, they can cover quite a distance on land in search of food.

Your description of hippos being dangerous is accurate. Hippos are indeed known for their aggressive nature and are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. They are territorial and can become extremely aggressive when they feel threatened or cornered. Despite their seemingly slow and lumbering appearance, they are surprisingly agile and can charge at high speeds if provoked. This behavior contributes to their high number of human-related fatalities each year.