Definition & Meaning of "two-toed sloth"

What is a "two-toed sloth"?

The two-toed sloth, also known as the Linnaeus's two-toed sloth, is a fascinating mammal that is well-adapted for life in the trees of the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They have a distinctive appearance, with a round head, short snout, and large eyes that are adapted for their primarily nocturnal lifestyle. They are known for their slow movements, spending most of their time hanging upside down from tree branches, and moving at a glacial pace to conserve energy. They have long, curved claws on their front and hind limbs, which they use to grip tree branches as they move through the canopy. Their unique slow-motion lifestyle is supported by their specialized diet of leaves, flowers, and fruit, which provides them with the necessary nutrients for survival. Two-toed sloths are also excellent swimmers and are known to descend from the trees to the ground to defecate, a behavior that is relatively rare among arboreal mammals.