Nature Under Glass - Tropical Forest – In the Trees and in the Water

Northern jacanas and purple gallinules are shore birds. Did you notice their long toes? This adaptation lets them walk on floating water plants.

Jacana and gallinule

Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents. Their partially webbed feet are useful not only for swimming, but also for supporting their weight on muddy riverbanks in the wild.
Left: Capybaras in Water
Right: Capybara Foot

Green basilisks can escape predators by running across the surface of the water.
Their long, partially webbed feet make for a large surface that helps keep them afloat. If they slow down, they will sink – but they are also excellent swimmers.
Left: Green basilisk hind leg
Right: Green basilisk

The shell of yellow-spotted Amazon turtles is well adapted to their natural surroundings: its flattened shape lets them glide through the water more easily. Their webbed feet also help them move around faster, which is useful when they are hunting for food or fleeing predators.

Did you see their large nostrils? That’s so they can breathe while remaining hidden in the water.