Sloths: Surprising Swimmers

Sloths, known for their slow movement on land, are surprisingly adept swimmers. They can swim three times faster than they walk and hold their breath longer than dolphins. This ability is thought to be inherited from their semi-aquatic ancestors. In modern times, sloths swim to access food and mates across rivers. Their long arms and extra neck vertebrae aid in swimming, while their slow digestion creates gas, providing buoyancy. Nature's surprises include sloths being natural swimmers.

What is a surprising fact about sloths' swimming abilities?

• They can run faster than a cheetah.

• They can dive deeper than a whale.

• They can swim faster than they can walk.

• They can fly short distances.

Why do biologists believe sloths are good swimmers?

• They evolved it recently.

• They learned it from dolphins.

• They have always lived in water.

• They inherited it from their semi-aquatic ancestors.

How do sloths benefit from their swimming abilities in the jungle?

• They can escape predators easily.

• They can travel to new areas for food and mates.

• They can build nests in water.

• They can hunt fish.

What helps sloths keep their heads above water while swimming?

• Their extra neck vertebrae.

• Their strong jaws.

• Their long tails.

• Their webbed feet.

What unique adaptation helps sloths stay buoyant in water?

• Their lightweight bones.

• Their thick fur.

• Their large lungs.

• Their slow digestion producing gas.