Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails. Scales are thick, sharp, and overlapping. They grow continuously. Scales protect from bites, claws, and environmental hazards. Scale color varies with species. Unlike reptiles, pangolins’ scales are a mammalian innovation.
Armor reduces predation risk significantly. It allows a slow-moving, nocturnal lifestyle.
It demonstrates convergent evolution, where mammals evolve features similar to reptiles. Functional adaptation can be extreme.
Some scales are up to 10 cm long on adults.
World Wildlife Fund (worldwildlife.org)