Question

Scaly anteater is
A. Eutherian
B. Metatherian
C. Prototherian
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Pangolins, also called scaly anteaters, are mammals of the order Pholidota. The one extant family, Manidae, consists of three genera namely Manis, Phataginus and Smutsia. Manis have four species which are found in Asia, whereas, Smutsia and Phataginus consists of two species each, all found in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Complete answer:
Pangolins own large and protective keratin scales covering their skin. They are the only known mammals having this feature. Pangolins live in hollow trees or burrows, this depends on the type of species. Pangolins are nocturnal, and their diet consists mainly of termites and ants. They capture them by using their long tongues. You should know, Eutherians are mammalian clade having Cretaceous. For example-Scaly anteater.
Whereas, Metatherian are that mammalian clade, which consists of classes close to marsupials.
Lastly, the Prototherians are the mammalian clade consisting of egg-laying monotremes.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Additional information:
It’s important to note, Pangolins scales are dangerous weapons and if they are threatened, they will perform a cutting motion with their scales if anything is inserted between them. They are hunted for meat, as well as used in traditional medicine. Particularly in China and Vietnam they are used as fashion accessories. Their large-scale illegal trade in Asian pangolins is drastically decreasing down their numbers, and pangolin trafficking is now a big and illegal business. Also, it's interesting to note that like we humans, the eutherian (or 'placental' mammals) are the majority of today's mammalian diversity and all have a chorioallantoic placenta which is a remarkable organ that is developed after conception at the site where the embryo joins with the lining of the mother's uterus.

Note: Remember that all Pangolins are insectivorous. Majority of their diet consists of various species of ants (and termites) and can be supplemented sometimes by other insects, especially larvae. Pangolins are shy animals and do not attack humans.