Three Toed Sloth Research Paper

An ecological organization completed a data analysis on the biological diversity in Central America. The organization completed an inventory of two species of sloths in order to observe for regular and irregular movement patterns of sloths. There are two types of sloths that are predominant in the area which is observed. Both these sloths choose niches based on their movement patterns and their preferences for biotic and abiotic factors.
The two species of sloths include the Brown throated three toed sloth, or the Bradypus variegatus, and the Hoffman’s toe-toed sloth also known as the Choloepus hoffmanni. A few differences between the two toed sloth and the three toed sloth can be found in their digestive systems, home range, relationships with other organisms, diet, and their anatomical structure. According to the map provided, the two species of sloths were found to be dispersed quite randomly. However, the majority of two toed sloths were found in the agricultural land, and the majority of the three toed sloths were found in the lowland second-growth forest. By further observing the differences in diet, mobility, and relationships sloths have with
Old-growth forests consist of a variety of land area and food sources, making it suitable to both sloth species. As both species favor old-growth, it is possible for competition over habitat and food sources to occur. The two toed sloths are at an advantage in gaining specific land and food sources. Two toed sloths are more dominant, while three toed sloths are more submissive. In addition, two toed sloths are more aggressive and also move faster, allowing them to obtain food sources before the three toed sloths are able to obtain them. While competition is possible, it is also unlikely for competition to create an everlasting effect on the ecological niches as old-growth forests contain both cocoa and cecropia trees which both species of sloths