Mary Allen
Introduction to Sloths
Sloths are a group of slow-moving, arboreal mammals that are native to Central and South America. There are two main species of sloths: the two-toed sloth and the three-toed sloth. Despite their name, both species actually have three toes, but the two-toed sloth has two fingers on each hand, while the three-toed sloth has three fingers. Sloths are known for their slow movements and sleepy demeanor, and they are often associated with laziness and inactivity. However, this is a common misconception, as sloths are actually highly adapted to their unique tree-dwelling lifestyle.
Sloths’ Physical Characteristics
Sloths are small to medium-sized mammals that range in size from about 18 inches to 31 inches in length and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. They have a stocky, barrel-shaped body with short, stumpy legs and long, curved claws that they use to grip onto tree branches. Their fur is long and shaggy, and it is often covered in algae and other plant matter, which gives them a greenish tint that helps them blend in with their surroundings. Sloths have a small head with large, expressive eyes and a small mouth that is adapted for feeding on leaves. They also have a unique feature in their neck, which allows them to rotate their head up to 270 degrees.