Fascinating Fact
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, and they spend a lot of time near water where they can swim to escape danger.
South American mammals live in very different environments, from the Amazon rainforest to the high Andes and the wide grasslands. You can often identify them by their size, shape, teeth, paws, tail, and even signs like tracks, burrows, or scratch marks on trees.
Key Terms
- Amazon rainforest: A huge tropical forest in South America with hot, wet conditions and very high biodiversity.
- Andes: A long mountain range in western South America where many animals are adapted to cold and thin air.
- Nocturnal: Active mainly at night, often to avoid heat or to hunt more safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)
What are some well known mammals that live in South America?
Well known South American mammals include jaguars, sloths, armadillos, giant anteaters, tapirs, capuchin monkeys, and llamas or alpacas. Many species are linked to specific habitats such as rainforest or mountains.
How can you tell a jaguar from a leopard by its spots?
Jaguars usually have larger rosette-shaped spots that often contain a small dot in the middle, while leopards typically have rosettes without a central dot. Jaguars also tend to look stockier with a broader head.
Why do many rainforest mammals have strong claws or gripping feet?
Strong claws and gripping feet help rainforest mammals climb, hold onto branches, find food, and escape predators. In dense forests, moving safely through trees can be as important as running on the ground.
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