THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF MAMMALS 187 



Two genera of sloths inhabit the tropical forests, between which 

 the most obvious difference is that in one (Bradypus) the fore- 

 foot has three toes, and in the other (Choloepus) two. 



The suborder of the anteaters (Vermilingua) is more varied, 

 and is the only one of the order to which the term "edentate" 



Fig. 108. — Two-toed Sloth (Choloepus didactylus) . — By permissioQ of 

 W. S. Berridge, London. 



applies strictly, for they alone in the order are altogether 

 toothless. The great Ant-Bear (Myrrnecophaga jubata) , which 

 may reach a total length of seven feet, has an extravagantly 

 long, slender and nearly cylindrical head, long, shaggy, black 

 and white hair and an immense, bushy tail ; the forefeet are 

 armed with huge, sharp-pointed claws, which are used for 

 tearing open ant-hills, and when occasion arises, as formidable 

 weapons of defence, for the Ant-Bear can successfully repulse 

 even the Jaguar. In walking, the claws are curved inward 

 and the preposterous beast rests his weight upon the outside 

 edges of the forefeet, while the hind feet apply the sole to the 

 ground, as does a bear or raccoon. The Collared Anteater 

 (Tamandua) is much smaller and mainly arboreal in habits. 

 It has a short-haired, black body, with a white stripe down the 



