Sloths, Masters of Slow and Steady
In Sloths, Masters of Slow and Steady, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod describes how a sloth's skin provides unique camouflage, helping it blend into its environment for protection. Discover the symbiotic relationship between sloths and algae, which grows on their fur and gives them a greenish tint. This algae offers camouflage while also supporting moths that help fertilize the algae. Through this fascinating example of nature’s design, see how animals and plants can depend on each other in unexpected ways. This video is excerpted from Secrets of Skin, a documentary series exploring the natural history of the body’s largest organ.
Lesson Express
Q: How does the sloth’s green color help it?
A: The green color, caused by algae growing on its fur, helps the sloth blend into its environment, offering camouflage and protection from predators.
Q: What role do moths play in the algae’s growth?
A: Moths help the algae grow by fertilizing it with their feces, contributing to the symbiotic relationship between sloths, algae, and moths.
Q: Why do you think sloths depend on algae for their camouflage instead of other methods?
A: The algae provides a natural and efficient way for the sloths to remain undetected by predators, offering both camouflage and a food source for moths.