Ask most people what it takes to survive and thrive in nature and speed will be among the top elements any creature should have. And that is largely correct. But as is often the case in the natural world, there are all kinds of exceptions to the rule — fascinating ones.

The kinds of animals that thrive despite — or because — of their slowness take center stage at the traveling exhibition, “Survival of the Slowest,” which is stopping at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. in Denver, through Jan. 9.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the animals that aren’t the strongest, fastest and biggest,” said Dr. Frank-Thorsten Krell, senior entomology and exhibit curator. “It’s not always necessary to be the fastest and strongest and that’s a message a lot of people — especially kids — really like.”

Produced by Little Ray’s Exhibitions and the Foundation for Animal Rescue and Education (FARE), the exhibit also breaks another norm at the museum — it features living animals, instead of their remains.

“Before we accepted the exhibit, we did a lot of checking to ensure the welfare of the animals is a priority for the organizers. It’s important for us that the animals are well cared for and live in habitats they enjoy,” Krell said. “What I didn’t expect is how close you’re able to see these animals.”

The star of the show is certainly the sloth, but it’s not the only one - visitors will also get a look at a hedgehog, iguana and more. Among the many things visitors can learn about the sloth is that they have the lowest relative muscle mass of any mammal (25 percent, compared to 40 percent in humans and 58 percent in lions) and that they only climb down from trees is for mating and defecation.

While all the animals visitors will meet don’t do a lot of moving, the reasons and strategies behind their slowness vary. According to provided information, some are cold-blooded, others warm-blooded. Some are adapted to need food less frequently than others, while others find unique ways to hide from their adversaries.

“Since these animals don’t move very quickly, we encourage people to come back several times, because that will allow you to see them doing different things,” Krell said. “People can come connect with the animals by seeing them so close. It’s a good message that there are different strategies in life to be successful.”

Entry into the exhibit is included with a general admission ticket. Get all the details at www.dmns.org.

Prom it like the 80s for Miners Alley

During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were reminded how much the arts give to audiences. So, when we have the opportunity to give back, it’s important that we do. With that in mind, Miners Alley Playhouse is hosting its annual fundraiser, which allows supporters to both help and have fun.

The Totally Tubular 80’s Prom Night will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 at the Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Ave. in Golden. The event will feature a DJ, dinner, drinks and more and attendees (who are encouraged to wear costumes) will have the chance to bid on trips, themed packages and more.

The fundraiser goes to keeping a vital arts organization and theatrical landmark alive and benefiting the community. Get information at www.minersalley.com.

Sloss brings comedy at its best to the Paramount Theatre

Being a comedian’s comedian might suggest that a performer has only limited appeal, but when it comes to Scotland’s Daniel Sloss, it’s the highest of compliments. In one of his specials, he describes what he does as 70 to 75 minutes of jokes, “and then I do a sad 15-minute TED Talk.” There’s more to it than that, but it hints at the sincerity of his approach — both to comedy and honesty.

Sloss will be at the Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place in Denver, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Don’t miss it. Get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Julien Baker at the Gothic Theatre

You don’t find many singers with the power of Julien Baker. The alt-rock singer/songwriter has one of the most searingly incisive and emotionally raw pens in modern music — she writes about relationships, faith and modern living with the kind of insight that can rock you back. And then there’s that voice - when she cuts loose with it, she can blow the walls off the joint.

Baker will be stopping by the Gothic Theatre, 3263 S. Broadway in Englewood, at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13. She’ll be joined by shoegaze explorers Dehd, making for a fantastic one-two punch.

Get tickets at www.gothictheatre.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.