| Hippopotamus gorgops | |
|---|---|
| |
| A life restoration of Hippopotamus gorgops | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Hippopotamidae |
| Genus: | Hippopotamus |
| Species: | †H. gorgops |
| Binomial name | |
| †Hippopotamus gorgops Dietrich, 1928 | |
Hippopotamus gorgops (meaning "Gorgon-eyed river horse") is an extinct species of hippopotamus. It first appeared in Central Africa during the late Miocene, and eventually migrated into North Africa and Europe during the early Pliocene (where its fossils were first discovered). It became extinct prior to the Ice Age.
Taxonomy[]
With an estimated length of 4.3 metres (14 ft) and a shoulder height of 2.1 metres (6.9 ft) and with a weight of 3,900 kilograms (8,600 lb) H. gorgops was larger than its living relative, H. amphibius. Another feature setting it apart from H. amphibius was the placement of its eyes. Modern hippos have eyes placed high on the skull, but H. gorgops had eyestalk-like orbits extruding above its skull, making it even easier for the creature to see its surroundings while nearly or fully submerged underwater.
Gallery[]
