Clues to the sloth’s sloth found in its genome

Researchers sequenced the genome of the pale-throated sloth, revealing genetic adaptations that contribute to its famously slow metabolism. Published online on June 18, 2026, in Nature, the study identified duplications in genes associated with mitochondrial function, the powerhouses of cells. These genetic changes likely enhance the efficiency of energy production and utilization, supporting the sloth's low-energy lifestyle. The research team analyzed the genome of the Bradypus tridactylus, commonly known as the three-toed sloth. They found that these duplications are not present in other mammals with faster metabolisms, suggesting a specific evolutionary path for sloths. This genetic insight helps explain how sloths can survive on a nutrient-poor diet and maintain such slow movement, which is a key survival strategy for avoiding predators. The findings also shed light on the broader evolutionary biology of metabolic rate and energy conservation in mammals. The study's lead author, Dr. Anya Sharma, stated that understanding these genetic mechanisms could have implications for research into metabolic disorders in humans. The sequencing project involved collaboration between the University of São Paulo and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.