304 BACKBONED ANIMALS. 
Sloths (Bradypodide).— The sloths are confined to 
South America, east of the Andes. Their bodies are cov- 
ered with long gray and black hair, that, in its resemblance 
to moss and the bark of trees, affords them. protection. 
The three-toed sloth is called 42, from the plaintive sound 
it utters. Their limbs are long and slender, the hinder 
pair the shortest, and armed with powerful claws, by which 
they cling to limbs, passing their entire time in hanging 
positions (Fig. 331), being helpless on the ground. The 
two-toed sloth is similar in general appearance. The JZe- 
gatherium, a gigantic extinct sloth, was eighteen feet long 
and eight feet high. The Megalonyx was as large as a 
Fic. 329.—African imperfect-toothed animals, Aard-vark or Cape ant-eater 
in the background, and scaly manis or pangolin in the foreground. 
thinoceros—huge creatures, that pulled down large trees 
with their powerful limbs and claws. Sloths are eaten to 
some extent. 
Ant-Eaters (Myrmecophagide),— These remarkable 
