Question 1

True or false: Hippos can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while submerged.

Accepted Answer

False. They typically hold their breath for about 5 minutes, rarely exceeding 6 minutes before surfacing.

Question 2

True or false: Adult hippos can run faster than humans on land over short distances.

Accepted Answer

False. Hippos can sprint up to 30 km/h (19 mph) on land—faster than the average human, but not elite sprinters.

Question 3

True or false: A hippo's yawn is a sign of relaxation or sleepiness.

Accepted Answer

False. That wide yawn is actually a threat display to show off massive canine teeth and warn rivals.

Question 4

True or false: Hippos are strict herbivores and never eat meat.

Accepted Answer

False. Though mostly herbivorous, hippos occasionally scavenge meat or eat other animals, especially during droughts.

Question 5

True or false: A hippo's sweat is a thick red liquid that acts as sunscreen and antibiotic.

Accepted Answer

True. Their 'blood sweat' contains pigments that absorb UV rays and kill bacteria, protecting their skin.

Question 6

True or false: Hippos can't swim and actually walk or bounce along the riverbed.

Accepted Answer

True. Despite living in water, hippos are dense and sink; they push off the bottom to move, not swim.

Question 7

True or false: Hippos produce their own natural sunscreen that is pinkish-red in color.

Accepted Answer

True. Their skin secretes 'hipposudoric acid,' a red pigment that absorbs UV rays and prevents sunburn.

Question 8

True or false: Hippos are more closely related to whales than to pigs or other hoofed mammals.

Accepted Answer

True. Genetic studies show hippos share a common ancestor with whales, making them their closest living land relatives.

Hippopotamus Trivia Questions