Why Sloths Hang Upside Down All Day
By: NDTVNewsDesk
Image: Pexels
Sloths hang upside down all day because it is their natural posture, which allows them to access food and save energy.
Image: Pexels
It also allows them stay hidden from predators, thanks to special adaptations that anchor their internal organs.
Image: Pexels
Unlike other mammals, a sloth's abdominal organs are anchored to their lower ribs by special adhesions.
Image: Pexels
This prevents the organs from falling onto their lungs, which would make breathing difficult and energetically costly while inverted.
Image: Pexels
Their long, curved claws and strong tendons are designed to hook onto branches.
Image: Pexels
These tendons have a unique locking mechanism that keeps them in place, allowing the sloth to hang and even sleep.
Image: Pexels
By hanging upside down, sloths can easily reach the soft, tender leaves at the outer edges of branches.
Image: Pexels
Conserving energy is a top priority for sloths due to their slow metabolism and low-energy diet.
Image: Pexels
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