Morphology of hair of two- and three- toed sloths (Edentata: Bradypodidae).
Micromorphological differences between hairs of the two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and of the three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) were observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. Hairs of the two-toed had longitudinal grooves which exposed a uniform cortex when viewed in cross section. Hairs of the three-toed sloth have irregular transverse fissures and a cortex that contains scattered fusi. These morphological differences support the placement of the two sloth genera into separate families. Hairs of four other xenarthran species are also illustrated.
Wujek
D E
DE
Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleassant 48859.
Cocuzza
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D006197:Hair / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012896:Sloths / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004490:Xenarthra / Q000033:anatomy & histology*