2. Unique Digestive Adaptations
Amazing digestive adaptations found in ground-breaking capybara physiology studies distinguish them from other rats. Using a sophisticated fermentation technique that lets them obtain most nourishment from fibrous plant material, their digestive system has developed to efficiently break down cellulose. Capybaras can break down up to 75% of the fibre in their food, far more than most herbivorous animals according to studies. Comprising up to 20% of their total weight, their specialised cecum houses unusual bacteria that break down difficult plant material. In their gut microbiome, scientists have found more than 100 distinct species of helpful bacteria—many of which are unique to capybaras and are quite important for their digestive efficiency and general health.
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