Size
Pangolins can reach 3.2 feet in length and weight of nearly 40 pounds. Males and females of the Indian pangolin (one of the species) can be easily distinguished, because males can be 90% heavier than females.
There are eight different pangolin species, which vary in size from 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) to 39 inches (99 cm) long. They weigh from about 3.5 lbs. (1.6 kilograms) to 73 lbs. (33 kg), according to the Save Pangolins organization.
Explanation Phyisical
Their tongues are quite amazing. When extended, their tongues are longer than their bodies and head combined. Unlike humans and many other animals, the pangolin’s tongue is connected not in its mouth, but at the bottom of its ribcage. When not in use, the tongue is stored in the animal’s chest cavity.
How Pangolin breathes
Parts of the Respiratory System
1) Lungs: The Lungs are the location of all gases exchange occurring within a mammal. They are a spongy mass of tissue located in the thoracic cavity [1]. Due to the contractions of the diaphragm, the lungs inflate during inhalation and deflate during exhalation. Their movement pulls and releases air from the body.
2) Diaphragm: The diaphragm (also known as the thoracic diaphragm) is a muscle located between the thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity of all mammals [2]. When relaxed, the diaphragm appears to be in the shape of a dome. During inhalation though, the diaphragm contracts, expanding the thoracic cavity and lungs. These movements initiate the process of gas exchange occurring within a mammal.
3) Nasal Cavity: Once inhaled through the nose (which is located on the upper tip of the Tree Pangolin’s snout), the air flows into the nasal cavity. Inside the nasal cavity, tiny cilia and a mucous membrane filter the air, cleaning, warming and humidifying it before it reaches the lungs [3].
4) Larynx: Located between the pharynx and trachea, the larynx is commonly known as the voice box as it produces all mammalian sounds. The larynx is formed by both muscle and cartilage and holds the vocal chords [4]. When air passes through the larynx during ventilation, the vocal cords produce vibrations which are commonly used as a form of speech [5].
5) Trachea: The trachea is a long respiratory tube which extends from the larynx to the bronchi. Inside the trachea are small cartilage disks to prevent the trachea from collapsing upon itself. Also, lining the inside of the trachea is a moist tissue called mucosa, which further prevents any particles from entering the lungs [6].
6) Bronchi: The bronchi, the right bronchus and left bronchus are airway tracts located within the lungs. They are subdivisions of the trachea and in fact are very similar as, like the trachea, they too are supported by cartilage rings. Within their respective lungs, the bronchus divide into smaller air tracts called bronchioles which carry oxygenated air to the alveoli.
7) Alveoli: The alveoli are tiny air sacs that are attached to the bronchioles. During inhalations, the alveoli inflate and become filled with oxygen. This oxygen diffuses through the alveolus permeable skin and into the bloodstream. During an exhalation, the alveoli deflate and force carbon dioxide out of the lungs [7].
How Long the average animal of this species lives
Pangolin lives between 12 and 20 years in captivity (depends on the species)
Source :
Pangolin 