Question

Indian pangolin is-
a. Scaly and Eater
b. Mannis cassicaudata
c. Dasypus novemcinctus
d. Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint: These unusual creatures with a long nose-shaped muzzle, strong limbs tipped with sharp, clawed digits assist in the feeding process. Most of them residents are nocturnal creatures and dig burrows.

Complete answer:
> Option A is incorrect. Pangolins are coated in rough, overlapping scales, which are distinctive. These mammals eat ants and termites using an incredibly long, sticky tongue, and when they feel threatened, they will easily curl themselves up into a tight ball.

> Option B is incorrect. A pangolin native to the Indian subcontinent is the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, and scaly anteater. Like other pangolins, its body has large, overlapping scales that serve as armour. As self-defence against predators such as the tiger, it can also curl itself into a ball (volvation). The colour of its scales varies according to the earth's surrounding colour. It is nocturnal, and rests throughout the day in deep burrows, insectivore, feeding on ants and termites, digging them out of mounds and logs using their long claws which are as long as their forelegs.

> Option C is incorrect. Dasypus novemcinctus, a medium-sized mammal found in North, Central, and South America, is the nine-banded armadillo, or long-necked, nine-banded armadillo. The nine-banded armadillo is a solitary, mostly nocturnal species, from mature and secondary rainforests to grassland and dry scrub, found in many habitats. It is an insectivore, mainly feeding on larvae, termites and other small invertebrates.

> Option D is correct. The Indian pangolin are a lone, shy, slow-moving, nocturnal mammal. The pangolin's most prominent feature is its huge, scaled armour, which protects its upper face and its entire body except for the abdomen and the inside of the legs. These defensive scales are made of keratin, and are rigid. They are however insectivore, and they mainly subsist on ants and termites which it catches with a long, sticky tongue that is specially adapted. It is specialised in feeding on ants and termites but also forage for beetles and cockroaches. It feeds on embryos, larvae, and adults from its prey but eggs from animals are the preferred alternative.

Hence, The correct answer is option (D).

Note: Pangolins are endangered by form hunting and poaching for their meat and scales which local people use and consume but are also increasingly traded internationally. Pangolin is regarded as a source of food in different parts of the world, and for different body parts used in traditional medicine.