Why Do Sloths Have Algae Growing on Their Fur?

Sloths are animals that live high up in the trees in the rainforest. They are very slow movers. In fact, sloths move so slowly that it can take them a whole day to travel just a few feet! Because they move so little, something special happens on their fur.

Tiny green plants called algae start to grow on the sloth’s fur. Algae are like tiny, soft green patches that look like moss. They need water and sunlight to grow, and the sloth’s fur gives them just the right place to live.

This algae is not bad for the sloth. It actually helps the sloth by hiding it from animals that might want to eat it. The green color of the algae helps the sloth blend in with the leaves and branches. This is called camouflage.

Also, some tiny bugs and insects live in the sloth’s fur along with the algae. The sloth doesn’t mind because it doesn’t bother them.

So, even though sloths are slow and seem sleepy, their slow movement helps them stay safe by growing a little garden on their fur!

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