Sloths

Modern sloths live in the jungles of Central and South America and are adapted to hot, humid environments with dense vegetation. Their long, curved claws help them hang from tree branches while they sleep, eat, and move. Sloths also have a very slow metabolism because their leafy diet provides few calories. Their coarse brown fur helps them blend into trees, and algae and insects living in their fur improve their camouflage. In the future, rainforests in Central and South America may become savannas due to global warming. Sloths could evolve to live on the ground instead of trees. They might develop stronger legs and a more upright posture for walking, with tails that help them balance. Their claws may become shorter for digging plants and insects, while lighter, yellowish fur could help them blend into the new environment.