13 Unique Survival Skills of Capybaras: How They Became the "Kings of the Jungle"

4. **Digestive Efficiency System**

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Capybaras possess a highly efficient digestive system that maximizes nutrient extraction from their plant-based diet. Their specialized cecum, larger than their stomach, hosts beneficial bacteria that break down tough plant materials. This adaptation allows them to digest cellulose and other complex plant fibers more effectively than many other herbivores. Like some other herbivorous animals, they practice coprophagy—consuming their own partially digested feces to absorb additional nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. This unique digestive adaptation enables them to thrive on a wide variety of plant materials, from grasses and aquatic plants to tree bark and fruits, making them highly adaptable to seasonal changes in food availability.