If we think that sloths, arboreal native to tropical rainforests and well-known for their lazy locomotion, have little to do with the oceans or marine life, does it make sense? On the other hand, these tree-dwelling species play a remarkable role in maintaining ecosystems that extend far beyond the forests in which they live. The connecting factor is the interaction between tropical forests and the aquatic habitats near them, such as rivers, mangroves, and coastal seas.

Sloths are known for their slow movements and quiet existence; their low metabolic rates help to explain these. Still another crucial element affecting their behavior, though, is the daily light cycle, which regulates sloth rest and timing of activity. Sometimes known as the circadian rhythm, the routines and adaptations of some unique species depend considerably on natural light and the cycle of day and night.