Description
Book SynopsisSloths are perhaps the most recognized and loved Central and South American animals, but despite their renown and popularity as cartoon characters, toys and memes, they are not well understood. This book offers a colourful, richly illustrated and wide-ranging account of the biological and cultural history of these fascinating mammals. Alan Rauch explores sloths' gigantic prehistoric ancestors and their evolution into the lethargic, green-hued creatures that live and survive in forest canopies today. From the tale of how sloths were named after a deadly sin to their current status as unflappable icons of a stress-free lifestyle, Sloth shows how fascinating, engaging and inspiring these animals are.
Table of ContentsPreface 1 The Modern Sloth 2 Anatomy and Physiology 3 Sloth Species and Evolution 4 The Sin of Sloth and the Sloths of Sin 5 Sloths in Culture 6 Sloths, Conservation and Eco-Awareness Timeline References Select Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index