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12 Facts About Sloths You Might Not Have Known

Because sloths are only the cutest, most lazy creature on the planet; not just for the funny memes.

Zoe Martusewicz

Mar 14, 2017

University of Florida

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12 Facts About Sloths You Might Not Have Known

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Many of my friends and those closest to me know, I am extremely obsessed with sloths. I could be considered a sloth guru if you really want to go that far. Here are some facts about sloths you may (or hopefully may not) have known about these delightfully slow creatures.

1. There are two families of LIVING sloths- the two-toed and the three-toed sloths.

The two-toed sloth can move faster than it's extra toed relative. Both are equally as cute though

2. Sloths can host symbiotic algae on their fur.

The sloths move so slowly it actually allows the algae time to grow on them.

3. The reason sloths move so slowly is due to their extremely slow metabolism.

This metabolism structure allows sloths to conserve energy. Sloth eating habits include tree leaves, which while it doesn't provide much in the way of nutrition, definitely provides a good amount of cellulose, which is very hard to digest.

4. Which means, sloths only use the restroom about once a week.

5. Sloths can rotate their feet 180 degrees in order to grab tree branches more effectively.

To put it into perspective, a ballerina can only pivot their foot 90 degrees.

6. Sloths are amazing swimmers, they can swim 3 times faster than they can walk on the ground

Especially when it is mating season. Nothing faster than a male sloth going after his lady.

7. When a lady sloth is ready to mate, she screams.

The scream sounds like a high pitched whistle and lasts for about 4 seconds. Males will here the call and begin the journey to her.

8. It appears that females are selective about who they choose to mate with.

No one knows particularly why they are, or what traits they are going after.

9. After mating, males will guard the female for up to a couple of days.

Again, no one knows why. It could be because he doesn't want other males getting to her, or protecting the prime tree real estate. Who really knows

10. Sloth bodies are only 25% muscle!

To compare- humans have a range of between 38-54% muscle

11. Young sloths can mistakenly grab their own arms thinking that they are branches, and fall.

Poor little dears, they don't know better.

12. Finally, sloths are just plain cute!

I mean, how could you resist the little face!?

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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12 Facts About Sloths You Might Not Have Known

Because sloths are only the cutest, most lazy creature on the planet; not just for the funny memes.

1. There are two families of LIVING sloths- the two-toed and the three-toed sloths.

2. Sloths can host symbiotic algae on their fur.

3. The reason sloths move so slowly is due to their extremely slow metabolism.

4. Which means, sloths only use the restroom about once a week.

5. Sloths can rotate their feet 180 degrees in order to grab tree branches more effectively.

6. Sloths are amazing swimmers, they can swim 3 times faster than they can walk on the ground

7. When a lady sloth is ready to mate, she screams.

8. It appears that females are selective about who they choose to mate with.

9. After mating, males will guard the female for up to a couple of days.

10. Sloth bodies are only 25% muscle!

11. Young sloths can mistakenly grab their own arms thinking that they are branches, and fall.

12. Finally, sloths are just plain cute!

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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