| 词源 |
capybara. The South American capybara (Hydrochoecrus) looks like a rat from out of a low-budget science-fiction movie, certainly taking the prize as the world’s largest rodent (up to 174 pounds and 4 ½ feet long). The animal bears its ages-old Tupi Indian name. Though as large as a pig, the gentle vegetari- an, also called the carpincho or water hog, would rather hide than fight and makes its home in tall grasses along riverbanks. Unfortunately, it has many cunning enemies that it cannot al- ways escape despite its swimming abilities. Its predators include the cougar, the jaguar, and man, all of whom hunt the giant ro- dent for food. |