Giant+Sloths

= giant sloths =
 * =====They may have died out as recently as 1550 AD in Hispaniola and Cuba =====
 * The term "ground sloth" is a reference for all extinct sloths because they are much larger than the present day sloth known as the "tree sloth".
 * It ate leaves that were probably on lower branches or on bushes.
 * The larges of these sloths was the Megatherium. The Megatherium grew to be the size of an elephant and weighed 5 tons.
 * The Giant Sloth had very sharp, dangerous looking claws.
 * They used their claws to rip leaves off trees or bushes.
 * Their teeth were small and blunt helping them stay on their herbivore diet.
 * After scientists examined their hip bones, they realized that the Giant Sloth could stand on its hind legs to extend his grazing as high as 20 feet.

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 * While other sloths have 3-4 fingers, the Giant Sloth ended up having 5 fingers on each hand
 * Giant Sloths are known to have traveled in packs or with their families.
 * Although, if one sloth fell behind it was left behind.