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A Fleece-y Species<\/h1>\n
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By Charlotte McGlone<\/p>\n
Chapel Hill, NC, United States<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
When it comes to warm, soft, and fuzzy, there\u2019s nothing like an alpaca. This animal\u2019s coat is made of silky, luxurious fibers that are warmer than wool, softer than cashmere, and hypoallergenic.<\/p>\n
Alpaca are native to the altiplano<\/em> (“high plain”) region of the Andes. This area includes parts of four countries (Peru<\/strong>, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina) at an average elevation of 12,300 feet. The climate is cool year-round, with the ground remaining frosted for over six months at a time, so this species has developed thick, velvety fleece to retain warmth.<\/p>\n Alpaca in Peru<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Estimates are that 3.6 million of these animals reside within Peru\u2019s borders, comprising 80 percent of the world\u2019s population. There are thought to be at least 50,000 families in the altiplano that raise alpaca for income.<\/p>\n These creatures eat less food than others of their size, and the sparse native grasses of the high plain provide all the nutrition they need. In fact, they need to eat only two percent of their body weight to remain healthy, because of their highly efficient digestion.<\/p>\n Fabulous Fleece<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The most valuable part of an alpaca is its fleece, with annual exports of more than US$100 million. Alpaca fleece is used to make everything from gloves to sweaters to blankets. It comes in 22 naturally occurring colors and sells for US$2 to US$4 per ounce, depending on its quality.<\/p>\n In 2014 the Peruvian government sought to promote this fiber by persuading five fashion designers to travel from New York City to learn about it. Their six-day trip included meeting Indigenous herders and watching how the fleece is transformed from yarn to fabric to clothing. The global market for alpaca apparel and accessories is growing, because consumers view the products as ethical and sustainable.<\/p>\n Not only is alpaca fiber incredibly silky and warm, it is also durable. It has a hollow, water-resistant structure that protects it from staining or wrinkling. Ancient woven cloths with alpaca threads have been found in archeological sites in southern Peru dating back to 200\u2013300 BCE.<\/p>\n So the next time you wrap up in your alpaca blanket, remember it\u2019s not only fuzzy and fashionable, it\u2019s a family heirloom!<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/alpaca-984887_640.jpg” alt=”stilt fisherman in Sri Lanka” title_text=”alpaca-984887_640″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/alpaca-3416844_640.jpg” alt=”Stilt fisherman in Sri Lanka” title_text=”alpaca-3416844_640″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Extension Question” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In 1991, the government of Peru lifted its ban on the export of live alpaca to other countries. What do you see as the pros and cons of a ban like this one?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Alpaca-feet.jpg\")
Alpaca stomachs have three compartments that extract all possible nutrients from their forage. Also, they have developed adaptations to preserve their food supply, such as two-toed, padded feet to tread gently on the vegetation and consuming only exposed leaves so that the roots can regrow.<\/p>\n\n
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