Animals

How do pangolins roll into armour?

Pangolins protect their soft parts by curling inside hard scales. Their scales are made of keratin, like fingernails. When threatened, a pangolin curls into a tight ball, leaving the tough scales outside and the belly tucked safely in. Many predators struggle to open it.

Illustration of pangolins roll into armour for the question "How do pangolins roll into armour?"
Public mode