pangolins possess is their ability to curl into a ball when they feel threatened or are attacked. When they do this, only their scales are exposed, making them a very tough prey item. The muscles in their abdomen are very strong and help keep the animals curled up even when predators are trying to pry them open. Without this ability, they would be very vulnerable because they are slow moving. Without this essential adaptation, a predator could easily flip the mammals over, exposing their less-protected belly area.