Bradypus tridactylus (Linnaeus 1758) is the living three-toed sloth, derived from a sister to Hapalops, Bradypus was much smaller and arboreal. The skull is relatively small and has small canine teeth. The cervicals are long with two more (9) than typical for mammals (7). Digits 1 and 5 are absent on both the manus and pes. The pedes are turned inward so this sloth walks, when it has to, on the sides of its feet. Bradypus hangs inverted from trees. It is an herbivore with a slow metabolism. |
