Pangolins’ tails help with climbing, balance, and defense. When curled into a ball, the tail covers the rear. During climbing, it acts as a counterweight. Muscles in the tail are strong and flexible. Tails assist in digging and movement through tunnels. This multifunctionality enhances survival.
It shows how a single anatomical feature can serve multiple survival roles.
Functional versatility is key in specialized mammals.
Tails can account for up to half the body length in some species.
Smithsonian National Zoo (si.edu)