Classification Information
Scientific name: Bradypus tridactylus
Common Name: Pale-throated three-toed sloth
Classification:
-Domain: Eukarya
-Kingdom: Animalia
-Phylum: Chordata
-Class: Mammalia
-Order:
Xenarthra-Family: Bradypodidae
-Genus: Bradypus
-Species: Bradypus tridactylus
Bradypus tridactylus belongs to the domain of Eukarya due to the fact that they have mitochondria within their cells.
Because B. tridactylus is both heterotrophic and multicellular, it is listed in the kingdom of Animalia.
Due to the fact that the pale-throated three-toed sloth has a backbone, it belongs to the phylum Chordata.
Because the B. tridactylus is covered in hair and has mammary glands it lies within the class Mammalia.
The order Xenarthra is a group of insecivors and include the armadillo, anteater, and the sloth (our B. tridactylus).
The family Bradipodidae consists only of the three-toed sloths.
The genus Bradypus also only consists of three-toed sloths.
Bradypus tridactylus is the species name for this organism, which means "three-toes".
Phylogenetic Tree
This phylogentic tree is just for the order Xenarthra. Analyzing mitochondrial DNA in all sloths along with other members of the Xenarthra order, you can see who the sloths are closely related to. In this data, it seems that the Bradypus tridactylus is most closely related to the Bradypus variegatus. However, the Bradypus tridactylus is still closely related to both the anteater and the armadillo.
For information on Pale-throated three-toed sloth habitat click here.