Capybara — Reading Comprehension Lesson

Reading Passage

Capybara

The capybara is the largest rodent in the world. An adult capybara can weigh up to 150 pounds and measure over four feet in length — about the size of a large dog. Despite their size, capybaras are closely related to guinea pigs and chinchillas. They are native to South America and live in forests, savannas, and wetlands near rivers, lakes, and streams from Venezuela to Argentina.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic animals perfectly adapted for life in and around water. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned high on their heads, allowing them to see, hear, and breathe while almost completely submerged. Their slightly webbed feet help them swim efficiently. Capybaras can hold their breath for up to five minutes and often flee into the water to escape predators such as jaguars, anacondas, and caimans.

Capybaras are herbivores that graze mainly on grasses and aquatic plants. Their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives to compensate for the wear caused by constant chewing of tough vegetation. Like other large grazers, capybaras play an important role in shaping the plant communities of their habitat. They also serve as hosts for ticks that carry disease, which has made them an important subject of disease ecology research.

Capybaras are highly social animals that live in groups of 10 to 20 individuals, though groups of over 100 have been observed near water sources during dry seasons. Groups are led by a dominant male who defends females and territory from rival males. Capybaras communicate through a variety of sounds including purrs, barks, whistles, and clicks. They are known for being remarkably tolerant of other animals — birds, monkeys, and even small animals commonly rest on or around capybaras without conflict.

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