User:Chassgraves/Three-toed sloth

Three-toes sloths use their gut biome to break down lignocellulose (found in Cecropia trees) into short chain organic acids which is then absorbed into the bloodstream to provide energy to the sloth. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria are the main phyla groups that dominate the gut. But not only is Firmicutes found in feces and digesta, it is also found on the fur of sloths. It is found that Firmicutes control microbial populations by providing protection from pathogenic bacteria.