Pangolins were thought to be closely related to anteaters , aardvarks, sloths, and armadillos, as all of these animals have either no teeth or a much-reduced number. However, molecular data has shown that these animals are not closely related, and so pangolins were classified into their own group.
The next thing we asked ourselves was, are pangolins like armadillos?
My answer is pangolin and armadillo are two different animals with no close taxonomic relationship, but they both have similar type of defensive mean against the predators. They both have external shields or protective armour to defend from their bodies being pierced by the unfriendly canines of predators.
What is the scientific name of pangolin?
Pangolin comes from the Malay word,“pëngulin”. This translates to “roller”, which describes their ability to roll. The name Pholidota means “scaled animals”, and references the keratinous scales that cover the bodies of pangolins. Pangolins are not one species, but eight, which all belong to the order Pholidota.
We can dig a little deeper! pangolins, sometimes known as scaly anteaters, are mammals of the order Pholidota (, from Ancient Greek ϕολιδωτός – ). The one extant family, the Manidae, has three genera: Manis, Phataginus, and Smutsia.
Some sources claimed A number of extinct pangolin species are also known . Pangolins have large, protective keratin scales, similar in material to fingernails and toenails, covering their skin; they are the only known mammals with this feature. They live in hollow trees or burrows, depending on the species.
Do pangolins have teeth or gizzard?
Without teeth , pangolins also lack the ability to chew; but while foraging, they ingest small stones (gastroliths), which accumulate in their stomachs to help to grind up ants. This part of their stomach is called the gizzard, and it is also covered in keratinous spines.
Are pangolins dangerous to humans?
Like their fellow armored mammals, armadillos, pangolins can roll themselves up into a well-protected ball, especially if they’re touched or grabbed. They are also armed with sharp tail spikes that can be used as a weapon. But these creatures typically aren’t a danger to anything much bigger than an unsuspecting bug.