* Evolutionary Adaptation: Hippos have evolved over millions of years in environments with water. Their ancestors likely lived in water-filled areas, and those that were better at swimming survived and passed on those traits.
* Physical Traits: Hippos have several physical features that make them excellent swimmers:
* Streamlined Body: Their bodies are shaped in a way that reduces drag in water.
* Webbed Feet: Their feet are partially webbed, which helps them propel themselves through water.
* Closed Nostrils and Ears: They can close their nostrils and ears when submerged, allowing them to breathe underwater.
* Dense Bones: Their dense bones act as ballast, helping them stay submerged.
* Instinct: Young hippos instinctively know how to swim almost immediately after birth. Their mothers guide them to the water and teach them basic swimming skills, but the core ability is innate.
So, while they may learn some specific swimming techniques from their mothers, hippos are born with the natural ability to swim thanks to their physical adaptations and evolutionary history.