capybara
Definition
Noun: 1. A large, semiaquatic rodent: The capybara is a large, tailless rodent native to South America. It is the world's largest living rodent species. It has a heavy, barrel-shaped body, short legs, and partly webbed feet, which make it an excellent swimmer. It is a herbivore and lives in groups near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- We saw a family of capybaras resting on the riverbank during our trip to the Pantanal.
- The capybara's scientific name is Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, which means "water hog."
- Due to its calm nature, the capybara is often seen peacefully coexisting with other animals like birds and turtles.
Advanced Usage
- Ecological Role: The term is used in biology and ecology to discuss keystone herbivores in South American wetland ecosystems.
- As a major grazer, the capybara plays a crucial role in maintaining the vegetation structure of its habitat.
Variants and Related Words
- Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the capybara.
- Rodent (n): The broader biological order (Rodentia) to which the capybara belongs.
Synonyms
- Water hog: A common descriptive name referencing its habitat and size.
- Carpincho: A common name for the capybara used in several South American countries like Argentina and Uruguay.
Related Phrases
- Capybara sanctuary: A protected area or reserve dedicated to the care and conservation of capybaras.
- They volunteered at a capybara sanctuary to help rehabilitate injured animals.
Noun
-
pig-sized tailless South American amphibious rodent with partly webbed feet; largest living rodent
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