Vertebrate Zoology - V. M. Konstantinov 2011

Chordates
Terrestrial, or Tetrapod, Vertebrates — Vertebrates with Embryonic Membranes
Class Mammals — Subclass Theria — Infrachlass Placentalia, or Higher Mammals — Order Pholidota

Pangolins are a very small group of mammals characterized by the absence of Teeth and overlapping, tile-like horny scales that entirely cover the body (see Fig. 189). This Structure serves a protective function; it has evolved secondarily and has no direct relation to the epidermal covering of reptiles. They feed on ants and termites; their snout is elongated, much like that of anteaters, and their Tongue is long and sticky. Interestingly, due to the lack of teeth, The Stomach of pangolins is lined with a horn-like membrane. Much like birds, they swallow small stones that aid in grinding down their food. They are distributed across South Asia (three species) and tropical Africa (five species).



Last update: 13/08/2026

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