The family Bradypodidae, in the order Pilosa, comprises the three-toed sloths, slow-moving arboreal mammals native to Central and South America. These animals are specialized for a tree-dwelling lifestyle, with long, curved claws for gripping branches and a slow metabolism that allows them to survive on a diet primarily of leaves. Bradypodids have a unique symbiotic relationship with algae, fungi, and insects that live in their fur, providing camouflage and nutrients. They are generally solitary and spend most of their lives hanging upside down in the forest canopy, descending to the ground only occasionally to defecate. Their slow movements and low-energy lifestyle make them highly adapted to a niche where predation pressure is minimized and energy conservation is critical.