Capybaras

The capybara is the largest rodent in the world. It lives in the warm rainforests of South America. Today, capybaras live near rivers, lakes, and swamps. They love water! They have webbed feet to help them swim. Their eyes, ears, and nose are on top of their heads so they can stay mostly underwater and still see and breathe. Their brown fur helps them blend in with mud and plants to hide from predators like jaguars. In the future, the rainforest might become hotter and drier. There may be less rain and fewer rivers. The capybara will need new adaptations to survive. Its ears may grow bigger to help release heat and keep its body cool. It might grow a hump on its back to store water. Its fur could turn light brown or gray so it can blend in with dry rocks and dusty land.