Spinning Tales about Tails

Why does an animal have a tail? Evidently, this appendage provides skills for survival and quality of life. A tail is primarily displayed in a vertebrate. However, an invertebrate, such as a snail or scorpion, projects a quasi tail.

Generally, the tail maintains balance; for example, a squirrel's tail helps it scurry up and down a tree. Moreover, the flying squirrel can handle its tail as a rudder, allowing a change of direction in mid-air.

Leaping Squirrel - photo Brett Pigon

The prehensile (able to grasp) tail of the opossum enables it to seize a tree branch. It also serves as a fifth limb-the female loops her tail to gather nesting material. This animal is often depicted hanging from a branch by its tail; in fact, only the young are light enough to dangle briefly. Another creature, the harvest mouse, uses its prehensile tail for balance to climb a stalk while feeding on the grain. And it can be stated that a snake has a prehensile tail-or prehensile body!

Warnings and defenses are issued by tails. The white-tailed deer alerts its own by flashing the white underside of its short, erect tail (a scut) while fleeing. Caution is issued by the rattlesnake's rattling organ at the end of the tail; this rattle is made from keratin-also found in fingernails, hooves, and horns. Some creatures defend with their tails: the scorpion projects venom, and the alligator delivers a powerful swing.

To fly, a bird's tail functions as a rudder. The tail spreads to increase the surface and get more lift. To change direction, the tail twists. To terminate flight, the tail turns downward and serves as a brake. Infrequently, damaged tail feathers might prevent flight; fortunately, they do grow back. A bird also uses its tail for perching or bracing against a tree-like the woodpecker. And how about the spectacular mating display of the fully-spread turkey tail?

A few more tales about tails.. .The lizard encourages a predator to grab its tail, then casts it off to escape; customarily, the tail grows back, and it is darker. The fox wraps itself with its bushy tail to keep warm. The fish navigates by swaying its tail from side to side. The beaver often utilizes its large, flat tail as a rudder for swimming, a prop for standing, and a storage place for essential winter fat.

Why does a human not have a tail? Indeed, an embryo has a tail which is absorbed by its growing body. In rare cases, tail-like structures appear at birth. Actually, a human has the remnant of a tail-the internal tailbone which lends support to the body when sitting! -