Animals - Animal types and traits - Sloths - Mammals - Animal behavior
Why do sloths move so slowly?
Correct!
Sloths aren't just lazy. Their slow movements suit an extremely low-energy lifestyle. Three-toed sloths in particular have very low energy consumption. Leaves provide little readily available energy and are difficult to digest. A low metabolism and slow exercise help you get by with this small energy budget. Field measurements also show differences between two- and three-toed sloths. The slowness can further help visual hunters make them harder to spot; The main reason remains to save energy.
Low metabolism, slow digestion and little exercise help sloths conserve energy.
