The Pangolin

I named this blog after the pangolin because I find this creature fascinating and adorable.

A pangolin is a nocturnal mammal that, in a non-scientific sense, is an anteater with scales.  By "non-scientific" I mean that the pangolin is not closely-related to the anteater.  The similarity in behavior, diet, and physical features is most likely due to convergent evolution.

The pangolin is a well-equipped animal.  Its scales are razor sharp and hard, allowing it to either lash out at predators or curl up into an impenetrable ball.  It secretes a foul-smelling fluid, which works to ward off predators, and also to mark a trail to return to its burrow.  When feeding, the pangolin uses its powerful forearms and sharp claws to open termite mounds, then a long tongue to collect the insects.  Interestingly, the claws are so large that the animal is forced to walk on its fists.  When it is in a hurry, it can stand up and run on its hind legs, using its tail for balance.

Here are some more informative pages on the pangolin:
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/eutheria/pholidota.html
http://www.pangolin.com/PangolinPic.html
http://www.theanimalfiles.com/mammals/pangolins/ground_pangolin.html
http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/mammals/pholidota/manis_temminckii.htm

and a good video of pangolin movement and behavior:
http://www.arkive.org/ground-pangolin/smutsia-temminckii/video-00.html

The scales of a pangolin offer an interesting way to look at how shapes can cover curved surfaces.  The animal is very flexible despite its tough armor, allowing it to move, dig, climb, and defend itself.  How can a similar scale structure be used to create shelters that are flexible, modular, and durable?