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Capybaras are the largest living rodents. But some extinct rodents were larger than North American grizzly bears. The capybara grazes on coarse grass in rivers and lakes. Its smaller cousin, the agouti, breaks open tough nuts to feed on the tender inner kernels. Like all rodents, these mammals have gnawing teeth. But a closer look reveals unique adaptations for feeding on different foods.

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  • Title: Capybara
  • Location: Pernambuco, Brazil, South America
  • Type: Taxidermy Specimen
  • Rights: This image was obtained from the Smithsonian Institution. The image or its contents may be protected by international copyright laws. http://www.si.edu/termsofuse
  • External Link: View this object record in the Smithsonian Institution Collections Search Center
  • USNM Catalog Number(s): 114847
  • Scientific Name: <i>Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris</i>
  • Photo Credit: Carl C. Hansen, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History
  • Field: Vertebrate Zoology
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

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