Capybara Adaptations

Capybaras are large rodents that live in tropical rainforests. They typically live near water because they have many features that help them to swim in the water. However, climate change may cause adaptations in capybaras. Capybaras currently have nostrils placed high up to help them to breathe while they swim, thick fur to help them stay warm as they swim, and webbed feet to help them swim faster. Climate change will cause warmer temperatures, which will decrease the amount of water there is in tropical rainforests. This will cause capybaras’ nostrils to move to a lower part of their snouts since they won’t need to swim as much. Their fur will also become thinner and lighter colored to prevent them from getting hot in the warmer environment. Capybaras’ webbed feet will become paws for running and traveling on land. Their eyes will also change to see in brighter light.