I. Xenarthrans

A. Introduction

B. Ancient Xenarthrans

1. Three major evolutionary lines

2. Oversized versions of today's Xenarthrans

a. Glyptodon

b. Megatherium americanum

C. Xenarthrans of Today

1. Edentates versus xenarthrans

2. Common physical traits

a. Xenarthrales

b. Fused pelvic bones

c. retia mirabilia

d. Low metabolic rate

e. Variable body temperature

II. Sloths

A. Introduction

B. Physical description

1. General description

2. Digits and claws

3. Teeth

4. Hair

5. Algae and snout moth

C. Body temperature and metabolism

1. Body temperature and heat regulation

2. Muscle mass and energy conservation

3. Metabolism and food digestion

D. Slow, steady, and stealthy

1. Climbing and travel speed

2. Natural camouflage

3. Predators

E. Family Life

1. Mating and gestation

2. Birth and weaning

F. Ground Sloths

1. Introduction

2. Giant Ground Sloth

a. Discovery

b. General description

c. Foods and behavior

d. Extinction

G. Two-Toed Sloths (Choloepus)

1. Location

2. Physical description

3. Diet

4. Skeletal research

5. Daily activity

H. Three-Toed Sloths (Bradypus)

1. Location

2. Physical description

3. Vocal cords

4. Daily activity

5. Diet

6. Skeletal research

7. "Maned" sloths

III. Tropical Rainforests

A. Introduction

1. Equatorial location

2. High annual rainfall

B. Rainforest features

1. High temperatures and humidity

2. Nutrient and moisture recycling

3. Niche vegetation

a. Lianas

b. Epiphytes

C. Rainforest strata

1. Ground level

2. Sub-canopy / under-storey

3. Canopy

a. Lower canopy

b. Upper canopy

4. Emergent layer

D. Biodiversity

1. Unique Adaptations

2. Species interdependence

E. Indigenous peoples

1. History

2. Physical Adaptations

3. Society

4. Use of natural resources

5. Farming methods

6. Mistreatment and displacement

7. Integration with "modern" world

F. Rainforest products

1. Industrial products

2. Medicines

3. Agricultural impact

G. Deforestation

1. Rate of deforestation

2. Reasons for deforestation

a. Timber

b. "Modern" agriculture

c. Cattle ranching

d. Industry

3. Problems relating to deforestation

4. Carbon dioxide and global warming

H. Alternatives to products relating to deforestation

1. Shifting cultivation

2. Beef versus agriculture

3. Selective logging

4. Timber alternatives

I. How you can help

1. "Fair trade" products

2. Reduce, reuse, and recycle

3. Composting

4. Environmentally-friendly fundraisers