228 



THE FOOD OF ANIMALS 



functions are reduced to a low ebb, and subsisting upon its own 

 tissues. 



An interesting species is the Sloth-Bear (Ursus labiatus) (fig. 

 451) of Ceylon and India, which feeds mainly upon fruits and 

 honey. It possesses long curved claws of great strength, eminently 



Fig. 451. Sloth-Bear (Ursus labiatus') 



adapted for tearing open the nests of wild bees, or it may be 

 of termites, which insects also furnish a favourite article of diet. 

 The well-developed sense of smell is of the greatest use in detect- 

 ing concealed food. When the dwellings of termites have been 

 clawed open the bear is reported to vigorously blow away the par- 

 ticles of soil, afterwards sucking out the unfortunate inhabitants of 

 the nest. The narrow, flexible tongue and extremely mobile lips are 

 well suited for giving effective help in the various feeding operations. 



