Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Capybaras
The capybara is the world's biggest rodent. Its average weight is 100 pounds. Its heavy body is barrel-shaped. It has a short head. The capybara's fur is reddish brown on its upper body. Its fur is yellowish brown underneath. The capybara's feet are slightly webbed. Its front legs are a little shorter than its back legs. It has no tail.
Capybaras live in Central and South America. They are semi-aquatic animals. They live close to water in grasslands and forests. Capybaras are very good swimmers and divers. They can stay underwater for five minutes. This helps them to hide from predators. A capybara can even sleep in the water. It pokes its nose up just above the waterline. Capybaras like to wallow in water to keep themselves cool during the daytime.
The capybara is an herbivore. It mainly eats grasses and water plants. It also eats fruit and tree bark. Its name means "master of the grasses." An adult eats between six and eight pounds of grass per day. The capybara prefers to graze from late afternoon and into the night when it's not so hot.
