Capybara: Adapted to Survive

The capybara is a large rodent that lives in tropical rainforests today and eats plants, grass, fruit, and tree bark. Rising sea levels and heavy rains might turn rainforests into marshes, forcing the capybara to adapt. Over thousands of years, it could develop new features to survive in a watery world. Its fur might become waterproof to help it stay dry and warm. Its feet could grow larger and more webbed, making it a better swimmer in deep waters and muddy land. Its nostrils might move higher on its head to breathe more easily while swimming. It will also develop a straighter back and shorter ears so that it can hide easily from marshy predators. The future capybara might not look exactly like the one we see today, but it will still find a way to thrive in its changing world.