Do you ever look at an animal and think, “Wow, that’s a unique feature”? Well, animals with big lips are definitely one feature that stands out. From camels to hippos, animals with big lips have evolved to have this distinct feature for various reasons.
Hippo
Hippos are known for their big lips, which they grasp and pull on grasses. With time, their lips have become very tough – they’re not soft like human lips. Hippos have some of the biggest animal lips, which isn’t surprising when you consider their size.
Hippos have a unique set of teeth that are designed to help them grind and chew tough vegetation. Their incisors and canines are long and sharp, while their molars are flat and wide. They can open their mouths up to 180 degrees, which allows them to bite down on large chunks of vegetation.
They are herbivores and spend most of their day in water to keep their body temperature down. They are known to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa and can be very aggressive, especially when they feel threatened.
Snub-Nosed Monkey
These monkeys are known for their broad, short face, wide-set slanting eyes, and short, flat nose with forward-facing nostrils. They are also characterized by their big pink protruding lips, which give them their cute or ugly appearance depending on who you ask.
Male snub-nosed monkeys develop plumper and redder lips as they age, likely to signify reproductive availability and social status. They are also known for their loud and distinctive calls, which can be heard up to 2 kilometres away.
Red-lipped Batfish
The bright red lips of the Red-lipped Batfish are not just for show. They serve a purpose. The lips are used to attract prey. The fish will wiggle its body and move its lips to mimic a small worm or shrimp. When the prey gets close enough, the Red-Lipped Batfish will snap it up with lightning speed.
The Red-lipped Batfish is not a good swimmer. It uses its modified pectoral fins to “walk” along the ocean floor instead of swimming. This unique way of moving allows the fish to blend in with its surroundings and surprise its prey.
Camel
Camels are fascinating animals with big lips that allow them to eat thorny plants that other animals can’t. They are herbivores that live in deserts and have distinct characteristics that aid their survival in such harsh environments.
The humps also help regulate their body temperature by dissipating heat. Camels have some of the most advanced lips on Earth. They have two lips, with the upper lip slit in two, meaning they have three lips. This allows them to graze on any food.
Elephant
Elephants are known for their large size and distinctive features, including their long trunks and big ears. But did you know that they also have big lips? In fact, their trunks are actually elongated upper lips and noses, which they use for a variety of tasks.
One of the most important uses of an elephant’s trunk is for feeding. Elephants are herbivores, and their big lips allow them to grasp and pull up grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. They can also use their trunks to tear off branches and strip bark from trees. In addition, elephants can use their trunks to drink water and even to suck up mud for bathing.
Beyond feeding, an elephant’s trunk is also an important tool for communication and social interaction. Elephants use their trunks to touch and greet each other, as well as to express emotions like joy or anger. They can also use their trunks to trumpet loudly, warning other elephants of danger or signalling their location to the rest of the herd.
Beluga Whale
Beluga whales are known for their big and bulbous heads, which are home to their unique and distinctive features, including their big lips. These whales are easily recognizable because of their white colour, which is why they are also called “white whales.”
Beluga whales are found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, including Russia, Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. They are social animals known for their vocalizations, which are used for communication.
Walrus
When it comes to animals with big lips, the walrus is one of the most recognizable. These large marine mammals have a distinctive look, with long tusks and a thick layer of blubber.
Despite their large size, walruses are surprisingly agile in the water. They can dive to depths of up to 90 meters and can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes.
In terms of diet, walruses are primarily bottom feeders. They use their sensitive whiskers to locate clams, mussels, and other shellfish on the ocean floor. They will also eat fish and other small marine animals.
Napoleon Fish
This fish has thick, fleshy lips that give it a unique appearance and make it stand out from other fish in the ocean.
The Napoleon fish, also known as the Humphead Wrasse, is one of the largest fish found on coral reefs. It can grow up to 6 ft long and weigh over 400 pounds, making it an impressive sight to behold.
Despite its size and intimidating appearance, the Napoleon fish is actually friendly and curious. It’s not uncommon for them to approach divers and snorkelers, making them a favourite among underwater photographers.
Rhinos
They are known for their thick skin, large size, and unique horns. There are five extant species of rhinos, including the white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, Indian rhinoceros, Javan rhinoceros, and Sumatran rhinoceros.
Rhinos are herbivores with a prehensile upper lip that allows them to grasp and pull leaves and branches of trees. The black rhinoceros has a pointed and prehensile upper lip that helps feed on trees and shrubs. On the other hand, the white rhinoceros has a long, flat upper lip that is designed for grazing on grasses.
Orangutan
When orangutans communicate, they use a range of vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language. Their lips play a crucial role in this communication, as they are used to make a variety of sounds, including kissing, smacking, and puckering. These sounds are used to convey a range of emotions, from happiness and contentment to frustration and anger.
In addition to communication and eating, orangutans also use their lips for grooming. They use their lips to pick at their fur and remove dirt and debris. They also use their lips to make kissing sounds, which are believed to be a sign of affection and bonding.