Exploring The Symbiotic Canvas: An Analysis of Sloth Algae in Zoos Across America

Author

Vedanth BuddalaFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Erik Hom

Second Advisor

Peter Zee

Third Advisor

Brice Noonan

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Sloths are slow-moving mammals that thrive on living high up in trees hosting a variety of microbial communities. They are hypothesized to have a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of an ecosystem through their movement and distribution of life throughout its surroundings. Brown fur, droopy eyes, and long nails are some of the first things one may notice when looking at a sloth. However, taking a deeper dive into a sloth's fur, there are green algae/cyanobacteria even though they might not be visible to the naked eye. In this study, I discuss the similarities and differences between specific sloths located in zoos across the United States using culturing to assess microbial diversity and growth. Exploring these relationships is crucial for grasping our comprehension of sloths, their evolutionary journey, and their unique capacity to support vital ecosystems within their fur.

Recommended Citation

Buddala, Vedanth, "Exploring The Symbiotic Canvas: An Analysis of Sloth Algae in Zoos Across America" (2024). Honors Theses. 3161.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3161

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.