When most people think of rodents, mice or squirrels probably come to mind. Most people are also not especially fond of rodents. However, a lot of people make exceptions for capybaras, the world’s largest and cutest rodents. Native toSouth America, capybaras are closely related to guinea pigs, and they like living near bodies of water. Capybaras are usually found near lakes and rivers in densely forested areas. Because they are a highly socialspecies, they can be found in groups.
Capybaras have chubbybodies, short heads, and brown fur. Adult capybaras can grow over one meter in length, stand up to 60 centimeters tall, and weigh 35 to 66 kilogramson average. It is worth noting that female capybaras are often heavier than males.
They mostly consumeaquaticplants and grass, much like cows do. Capybaras also eat their own poop. They do this to produce good bacteriain their stomachs, which can help them get more vitamins and proteinfrom their food.
單字片語整理
Words in Use
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social
[ˋsoʃəl]
adj. 社會的；社交的
Roger and my father discussed many of today’s social issues.
羅傑和我父親討論了許多當今的社會議題。
That lonely guy doesn’t have any social life.
那孤單的傢伙沒有任何社交生活。
Mark wanted to join asocial club to make new friends.
馬克想加入社團來結交新朋友。
多益綠色
英檢初級
高中 Level 2
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fur
[fɝ]
n. （動物的）皮毛
Conservationists discourage people from wearing fur coats.
保育人士勸阻大家不要穿皮草大衣。
高中 Level 3
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consume
[kənˋsjum]
vt. 消費；吃；喝；消耗
Our bodies consume more energy in winter.
我們身體在冬天會消耗更多的能量。
Helen was consumedby her husband’s sudden death.
丈夫的突然過世令海倫受盡煎熬。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
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bacteria
[bækˋtɪrɪə]
n. 細菌（複數）
=
germ
=
virus
Handrails are covered in bacteria.
扶手上都是細菌。
Handrails are covered with bacteria.
扶手上都是細菌。
高中 Level 3
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bacterium
[bækˋtɪrɪəm]
n. 細菌 （複數為 bacteria [ bAk`tIrIJ ]）
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stomach
[ˋstʌmək]
n. 胃
The smell of stinky tofu always turns Billy’s stomach.
聞到臭豆腐的味道總是讓比利反胃。
高中 Level 3
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species
[ˋspiʃiz]
n. 物種（單複數同形）
We found a strange species of bird on the island.
我們在這座島上發現了一種怪鳥。
Many species of wild animals are endangered. 許多種野生動物都快要瀕臨絕種了。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
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chubby
[ˋtʃʌbɪ]
a. 圓胖的
This baby boy has rosy cheeks and chubby legs.
這個小寶寶有紅潤的雙頰和胖嘟嘟的雙腿。
高中 Level 5
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aquatic
[əˋkwætɪk]
a. 水生的
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poop
[pup]
n. 糞便
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protein
[ˋprotiɪn]
n. 蛋白質
Meat, milk and cheese are rich in protein.
肉類、牛奶及起司含有豐富的蛋白質。
Doctors say that diets low in protein are bad for you.
醫生說蛋白質含量低的飲食對你有害。
多益金色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
Practical Phrases
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come to mind
立即被想到；突然浮現在腦海
Just when I didn't know whom to turn to, my college friend Jason came to mind.
當我不知向誰求助時，我突然想起了大學時的朋友傑森。
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be native to + 地方
原產於某地
= be unique to
= be indigenous to + 地方
Kiwi birds are native to New Zealand.
鷸鴕是紐西蘭的原產。
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on average
平均而言
On average, we work five hours overtime each week. 平均而言，我們一星期加班 5 小時。
請依句意在空格內填入適當的字詞 ❶ 每天攝取足夠的水分以保持健康非常重要。
It’s important to ________ enough water every day to stay healthy. ❷ 據說這種肥皂可以有效殺死衣服上的細菌。
It is said that this soap can effectively kill ________ on clothes. ❸ 雪倫感到胃部一陣劇痛。
Sharon experienced a sharp pain in her _______.
