Page 15 - Reading Success B2

The name of this animal means "river horse." It lives only in or near the rivers
and lakes of Africa. A hippopotamus may weigh up to 5 tons. It spends much of

the time in the water, which helps support its huge bulk and keeps its very thick
skin from drying out.

A hippo’s mouth opens wide, three to four feet, and its teeth are strong. The
two canine teeth grow into tusks of ivory. The animal’s eyes and nostrils protrude

from the head and remain out of the water when the animal floats. Its body is
barrel-shaped, with short legs. The skin is thick and tough.

Herds of about 6 to 20 hippopotamuses live and eat together, sometimes
staying in the water for days. They are expert divers and fast swimmers. They

may stay under water for five to ten minutes, and spout water when they surface.
Some people say that hippopotamuses sweat blood. It isn’t blood, but an oily,

reddish liquid secreted by the skin when the animal comes out of the water.
These large animals do destroy crops when they come out of the water. At night

they walk about and eat vegetation on land. Baby hippopotamuses are born on
land. Then the mother takes her baby to the water where she carries it on her

back until it can swim. The young will reach its full growth in about six years.
Hippopotamuses live an average of 30 years.

Main Idea

What is the main idea of this story?

a. the herds of hippopotamuses

b. the diving and swimming ability of hippopotamuses
c. the life expectancy of hippopotamuses

d. important facts concerning a hippopotamus

18_Reading Success B 2