capybara

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capybara

capybara , mammal of Central and much of South America. It is the largest living member of the order Rodentia (the rodents) reaching a length of 4 ft (120 cm) and a weight of 75 to 100 lb (34-45 kg). Its brownish hair flecked with yellow is coarse and scanty, and its tail rudimentary. The feet are partially webbed, and there are four thick-nailed toes on the front feet and three on the hind feet. The capybara is an expert swimmer and diver. It eats vegetation and sometimes damages crops. It is hunted for food, its hide is made into gloves, and its bristles are used in brushes. It is also called water hog and carpincho. Capybaras are classified in the phylum Chordata , subphylum Vertebrata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Hydrochoeridae.

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capybara

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

capybara Largest living rodent, native to Central and South America; it is semi-aquatic with webbed feet, a large, nearly hairless, body, short legs and a tiny tail. Length: 1.2m (4ft). Species Hydrochoerus hydrochoeris.

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Capybaras; a natural history of the world's largest rodent.(Brief article)(Book review) Magazine article from: SciTech Book News; 9/1/2009
	Capybara Attacked by Hippo Dies at Zoo News Wire article from: AP Online; 8/17/2007
	Jogger stopped in his tracks by 2ft beast. Newspaper article from: The Star (Sheffield) (Sheffield, England); 4/9/2008

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