Animal field note
A garden in the fur
The Sloth's Green Coat
A sloth moves so slowly that tiny algae grow right in its shaggy fur, turning it a soft mossy green.
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Let's look closer
Wonder traits
- Animal group
- Mammal
- Diet
- Plant eater
- Habitat
- Rainforest
- Awake when
- Nighttime
- Size
- Dog-sized
- Abilities
- Camouflage
Let's look closer
Why would an animal want algae growing on its fur?
ecause sloths barely move and live in the damp rainforest canopy, their fur stays wet enough for algae to take root, the way moss grows on a quiet stone. The green tint helps the sloth blend into the leaves above, hiding it from hawks and other hunters. Tiny moths even live in that fur, nibbling the algae without ever bothering the sloth.
Look for this
Explorer clue
Watch a nature documentary about sloths in the rainforest canopy and look closely for the greenish tint in their fur.
Your turn to wonder
Curiosity question
Can you think of a way nature helps something blend in and feel safe?
Keep wandering
