Hippopotamuses typically have a habit of feeding at night to avoid the heat. During the day, they often stay submerged in water to rest and, most importantly, to digest the food consumed the night before. However, sometimes hippos also need to bask in the sun.
But what protects them from the sun, which can sometimes be harmful? The answer lies in a substance secreted to counteract ultraviolet rays, which initially is colorless, then turns red, and finally becomes brown as the pigment polymerizes.
Researchers have found that this substance is composed of two pigments: one red, known as hipposudoric acid, and another orange, called norhipposudoric acid. These pigments are produced through the exchange of amino acids.
The production of this natural skin protectant not only shields the hippo’s skin from sunlight but also helps regulate temperature and prevents bacterial growth. Notably, the red pigment acts as a potent antibiotic, which appears to be very beneficial for hippopotamuses.
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