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@ f0fd6902:a2fbaaab
2025-06-09 13:53:11
Why three-toed sloths risk their lives to help moths ?
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/sloth-poop-moth-relationship
What seems clear to researchers is that sloths, moths, and algae all benefit from their shared arrangement. And now, a team of scientists in Costa Rica is exploring whether the microbiome living on sloths could boost human health, too. Many experts believe sloths are resistant to illness or infection; testing fur samples, the Costa Rican team isolated previously unknown bacteria that may lead to new antibiotics. As concerns mount about superbugs that are capable of defeating existing medications, what if remedies are discovered on the backs and bellies of sloths?
The Three-Toed Sloths are four species of South and Central American sloths that have been named thus for their three clawed toes on each limb.
Scientific Name – Bradypustridactylus
Classification – Bradypus
Gender Names – Male – male; Female – female; Baby – baby
Collective Noun – Bed
Length/Size – 45 cm (18 in)
Weight – 3.5–4.5 kg (8–10 lb)
Top Speed – 0.15 mph
Life Expectancy – Varies among sloth species (usually between 25 and 30 years)
Mating Season – Varies among sloth species
Gestation Period – 6 months
Special Features – Adult sloths mark territories by anal scent glands and dung middens
Social Structure – Adults lives alone; females live with young ones until weaning
Geographical Distribution – Central and South America (depending upon sloth species)
Natural Habitat – On the treetop in the dense rainforests
World Population – Varies among species
Diet – Leaves, Buds, Fruit
Predators – Eagles, Snakes, Jaguar
https://stacker.news/items/1001496