Classification

 

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Hippopotamidae
Genus: Hippopotamus
Species: Hippopotamus amphibius

Hippopotamus amphibius is a multicellular, heterotrophic organism classified in Kingdom Animalia.  They are part of the Chordates because they have a notochord, pharyngeal slits, nerve cord, and endostyle.  They belong to the subphylum Vertebrata because they have bones that make up a vertebral column.  The Order Artiodactyla consists of animals that have an even number of toes and share characteristics such as an enlarged anterior skull. There are two species in the family Hippopotamidae, Hippopotamus amphibius and Hexaprotodon liberiensis (Pygmy hippopotamus).  Both are similar in anatomy, but Pygmy hippos are smaller in size, don't travel in groups, and live in more forested areas.  Hippopotamus amphibius is the only living species in the Genus Hippopotamus.  There are many features that make the Species Hippopotamus amphibius unique. This website will cover all unique features of their nutrition, adaptations, reproduction, habitat, and interactions with other animals.