A mysterious cave was found
on the border between Brazil and Bolivia

Good for a nap!

At first,
the researchers thought:

Well, this must be
an ordinary cave.

Until they found something

Scratches on the walls?

They realized the cave had
been dug by strong claws

But what creature could
be responsible?

After all, the cave was
more than 1000 ft long 

Inspired by
the article in 

 
   Tears 
of
         Sloth        

Researchers now agree that it was
an animal known as 'Megatherium'

They were gigantic
kings of South America

Stack two cars,
then that's my size

It weighed as much
as 4 tons

Wait, what weighs
4 tons? ah! a bus!

They had long claws,
and armor-like skin

My claws
grew up to 33cm

They were like king
in South America

But what you wouldn't expect?


They were herbivores.

I ate leaves of
agave, eucalyptus
and grass

However,

They went extinct, very suddenly,
12,000 yrs ago.
This coincided with humans
settling on the continent

See you in 
the museum!

Some believe humans are responsible,
as many slaughter sites were found.
But, some disagree.

Something else you wouldn't expect?
It had a very cute sibling.

Hi, it's me

Megatherium was referred to 
as the 'Ground Sloth'

Hi, I am
a ground sloth

Hi, I am 
well, just
a regular sloth

The ground sloth 
disappeared 12,000 yrs ago

So, if the ground sloth are gone, 
why aren't contemporary sloths?

Why do you 
have to go?

The main reason was this:
Sloths don't have huge muscles

Hey, I don't taste good
as I don't have delicious muscles

Sloths don't do much
So they don't need many muscles
And they only consume several leaves a day.

I love a good salad!

The ground sloth is gone...

but, the favorless lazy tree
climber remains

Do they miss their burly brother?

What do you think?