The Unique Breathing Ability of Sloths

Sloths are known for their slow movements and relaxed lifestyle, but they also have a surprising ability. Sloths can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes while submerged in water. This ability is due to their low metabolic rate and their ability to slow down their heart rate, allowing them to use less oxygen. When sloths dive into the water to swim across rivers or other bodies of water, they can stay underwater for extended periods of time without needing to surface for air.

How Sloths Adapt to Their Environment


This remarkable breath-holding ability helps sloths navigate the dense jungles of Central and South America, where they often need to cross rivers to move between trees. Sloths are excellent swimmers, and their long, powerful arms are well-suited to paddling through the water. While their slow movements on land are often a result of their energy-efficient lifestyle, this adaptation gives them an advantage in the wild, allowing them to move across their habitat more efficiently and safely. Shutdown123

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *