MAMMAL MONDAY
We’re so excited to be starting our daily animal feature today. Each day is a different theme and today is MAMMAL MONDAY!! First’s let’s tell you a little about mammals. They are found on every continent and in all different kinds of habitats from deserts to oceans to the arctic. What makes a mammal a mammal you ask? Great question! Well here’s your answer:
These are the characteristics that make a mammal a mammal and different from other animals such as reptiles and birds:
- Mammal mothers provide milk to their young
- Mammals are warm blooded or endothermic- meaning they regulate their own body temperature
- Mammals have hair on their bodies
- Mammals have 3 bones in their middle ear
- Mammals have 4 limbs
Can you name some of your favorite mammals?
Ellie’s favorite mammal is the horse and Edmond’s favorite is the elephant.
For our first Mammal Monday we’re going to feature the largest rodent in the world!!
MEET THE CAPYBARA
Range: South America
Habitat: Dense forests near rivers, lakes, swamps and marshes
Diet: Herbivores (plant eaters) grasses and aquatic plants
Size: 3 ½ – 4 ½ feet/ 77-156 lbs
Conservation Status: common
Fun Facts:
- They have partially webbed toes to help them swim and maneuver through the water.
- Their eyes and ears are on top of their heads so they can watch and listen for predators while sitting in water.
- They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for 5 minutes. Can you do that?
- They are very social and live in groups of 10-20 individual animals. They communicate with barks and whistles.
- They have two large front teeth that grow their entire lives (all rodents have these teeth).
- They’re the LARGEST RODENT in the world! GO CAPYBARAS!
The Adventures of Ellie and Edmond 