Sloths have double the grip strength of humans and other primates

Dangling from a tree with just a single foot, sloths can exert more gripping force relative to their weight than primates – and they are consistently, but mysteriously, stronger on their left side

Life 10 January 2023

By Jake Buehler

Finley, one of the sloths at The Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica. Credit: Ignacio Moya

Finley, one of the sloths that had their grip measured, at the Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica

Ignacio Moya

With a single foot, sloths can exert a pound-for-pound grip force far beyond what humans and other primates are known to muster with their hands and feet.

Sloths like to clasp onto the sides of your torso, says Melody Young at the New York Institute of Technology, who studies the languid danglers. To free herself of one of the cat-sized creatures, often “two other researchers have to grab each leg and pry [its] …

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th March 2023. *Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Existing subscribers, please log in with your email address to link your account access.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

MORE FROM NEW SCIENTIST

Oyster mushrooms

Oyster mushroom fungus uses nerve gas to paralyse and eat tiny worms

The fungus that produces oyster mushrooms preys on tiny animals by releasing a paralysing nerve gas called 3-octanone before growing into their bodies

Fossil dinosaur egg

Treasure trove of fossil eggs hints titanosaurs nested in colonies

A study of more than 250 fossil eggs found in India suggests long-necked titanosaurs nested in large groups, but left hatchlings to fend for themselves

A drone approaching a branch for sampling

Drone with sticky patches studies biodiversity by bumping into trees

A drone has revealed information on the animals inhabiting a tree’s canopy simply by brushing against branches and collecting loose particles of environmental DNA with its sticky surfaces

Rapid Motion Through Space poster

Don’t Miss: A groundbreaking book on the evolution of meaning in life

New Scientist’s weekly round-up of the best books, films, TV series, games and more that you shouldn’t miss

Note: This article have been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here

Related Posts
Verizon just quietly raised your bill again thumbnail

Verizon just quietly raised your bill again

Published Dec 4th, 2024 7:58PM EST Image: Michael Buckner/BGR If you notice your Verizon bill is just a bit higher next month, you’re not alone. As pointed out on Reddit this week (via Android Police), Verizon is raising the price of its “Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge” by 20 cents for every line, which you’ll
Read More
Australia's worst state for schoolyard bullying — and how we compare to the world thumbnail

Australia’s worst state for schoolyard bullying — and how we compare to the world

Australian teenage students face the second highest level of bullying among 24 OECD countries, according to a new report, which found only Latvia in north-eastern Europe reported higher levels.The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) released an analysis of the 2022 OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results on Tuesday, shedding light on multiple
Read More
Index Of News
Total
0
Share