Sloths
Endangered Animals in South America by J.A
Description
Food Chain and Habitat
Sloths mainly eat leaves from Cecropia Trees. Sloths have a low metabolic rate and a low body temperature (91°F). This keeps their food and water needs to a minimum. Sloths have small molars which they use to chew up their leafy food. It is a herbivore who finds food in the rain forest of Brazil, South America on trees. Temperatures are from 93 degrees to 68 degrees fahrenheit.
Adaptations
To protect itself from predators, sloths stay in tree's. Due to the fact green algae is growing on their fur, it helps them camouflage. Long curved claws enable the sloth to latch onto tree branches, stomach is complex for digesting foliage. Their head is rounded and the face is not furred. 5 simple, peg-like teeth on each side in upper jaw. 4 on each side of lower jaw = 18 total. Two large, blade like teeth in front for biting.
They have small external ears, close to the head, embedded in fur. Sloths have poor hearing. Their eyes are very mobile — can be partly retracted when eyelids are closed. Blink one eye at a time. Have a very good sense of smell. Are slow and spend a lot of time on trees. Eat leaves from the tree's they are on. Usually crawl slowly, hang on branches, and swim once they fall off the trees.