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Line 42: − + − − The two-toed sloth is in fact so inert that [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] [[algae]] commonly grows in its fur, making it the only mammal that appears to be green. This, along with its typical motionlessness, affords it excellent [[camouflage]] in the trees. − +
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== Habits ==
== Habits ==
Living sloths use their clawed feet to hang upside down from tree branches, where they feed on leaves. The remarkably non-nutritious nature of such a diet may necessitate their habitual [[lethargy]].
Living sloths use their clawed feet to hang upside down from tree branches, where they feed on leaves. The remarkably non-nutritious nature of such a diet may necessitate their habitual [[lethargy]].The two-toed sloth is in fact so inert that [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] [[algae]] commonly grows in its fur, making it the only mammal that appears to be green. This, along with its typical motionlessness, affords it excellent [[camouflage]] in the trees.
Sloths defecate extremely infrequently (typically once a week). Yet remarkably, instead of just letting go from the treetops, they descend to the ground to use a single favoured sloth lavatory, which over the years may grow to mountainous proportions, exposing themselves to considerable danger in the process.
Sloths defecate extremely infrequently (typically once a week). Yet remarkably, instead of just letting go from the treetops, they descend to the ground to use a single favoured sloth lavatory, which over the years may grow to mountainous proportions, exposing themselves to considerable danger in the process.
== Creationist perspective ==
== Creationist perspective ==
Creation scientists believe that the sloth, in common with all ground dwelling animals, originated in the [[Middle East]]. After the [[Great Flood]] they were probably dispersed by [[Rafting (ecology)|rafting]] which enabled them to colonize South America as part of the [[Post-Diluvian Diasporas]].
Creation scientists believe that the sloth, in common with all ground-dwelling animals, originated in the [[Middle East]]. After the [[Great Flood]], the species was probably dispersed by [[Rafting (ecology)|rafting]] which enabled them to colonize South America as part of the [[Post-Diluvian Diasporas]].
==Links==
==Links==
*[http://www.xenarthra.org/ Xenarthra.org] about sloths and similar mammals
*[http://www.xenarthra.org/ Xenarthra.org] about sloths and similar mammals
[[Category:Mammals]]
[[Category:Mammals]]