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Some of the 6 Laziest Animals May Put You to Shame

Humans may be accomplished couch potatoes, but we've got nothing on these shiftless animals. From sloths to sea sponges, here are some of the most inactive organisms in the animal kingdom.

By Max Bennett
Jan 15, 2024 4:00 PMJan 15, 2024 10:20 PM
Sleeping Lion
(Credit: YiBaoTY/Getty Images)

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How lazy is too lazy?  

It’s easy to feel guilty for not always going the extra mile in our productivity-obsessed society. But scientists have found that a penchant for laziness may be wired into our biology: Researchers from the University of British Columbia observed that our brains must deliberately work harder to choose exercise over sedentary activities, according to a study published in Neuropsychologia in 2018. 

Fortunately, even the most committed couch potato pales in comparison to some of the feats of inaction taken by the animal kingdom. Enjoy our brief foray into the world of truly work-averse critters — and perhaps feel just a bit prouder of your own achievements. 

1. Lions  

(Credit: skynesher/Getty Images)
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