Rhinoceroses: Rhinocerotidae

Rhinoceroses (commonly called "rhinos" [RYE-nose]) weigh more than 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) as adults. Their barrel-shaped bodies are supported by short legs that end in three-toed feet. The mobile ears are large, tiny eyes are situated on either side of the head, and the neck and tail are short. Rhino horns are not made of bone, but of keratin (KARE-ah-tin), the same material in hooves, hair, and fingernails. They are not attached to the skull. These horns never stop growing, and they will re-grow should they be knocked out in battle or otherwise.

Skin thickness varies with the species. Rhinos have large sweat glands scattered over the skin that allows them to sweat often and a lot to help keep them cool. Their eyesight is poor, but their sense of hearing is well developed and facilitated by ears that can swivel. Their most acute sense is that of smell. Rhinos vary in coloration from gray to brown.