Tails do have a function, and these functions vary from animal species to animal species.
Most animal vertebrates have tails. Most vertebrates had tails during at least one part of its development - for instance, a tadpole has a tail before it becomes a frog.
Some types of tail have names, for instance:
- A bird's tail feathers - Rectrices - A deer's tail - A scut - A Fox's tail - A brush - A rabbit's/hare's tail - A scut
FOR BALANCE
Alligators - For swimming
Badgers - For swimming
Birds - For flying and for sitting on branches
Cats - For balance when walking along narrow areas. It also allows the cat to land safely on its feet if it falls
Cheetahs - For balance when running at speed
Crocodiles - For swimming
Fish - For swimming
Kangaroos - For balance when sitting up
Meerkats - For balance when standing up
Moles - As an aid for moving backwards in the burrow
Monkeys - For balance when moving within narrow spaces
Squirrels - For balance when jumping from tree to tree
Tigers - For balance when running at fast speed
Woodpeckers - To help to brace themselves against tree trunks
FOR COMMUNICATION
Cats - Anger, greeting, happiness
Dogs - Aggression – tail straight out or sometimes wagging the tip
Dominance – tail straight up Fear – tail tucked between hind legs Greeting – wagging tail Happiness – wagging tail Warmth – outdoor dogs with furry tails tuck them around themselves
FOR COURTSHIP Many birds, including:
Lyrebirds
Peacocks
AS A DECOY
Lizards - Detach their tails to food a predator, allowing it to escape. The tail will regrow.
GRASPING OBJECTS AND HOLDING ON Prehensile Tails To pull food off bushes
Monkeys To hold on to branches and hang from trees
Partially Prehensile Tails
Anteaters
Lizards (some)
Newts (some)
Rats
Snakes
Tree Porcupines
MARKING TERRITORY
Hippopotamuses - Use their tails to swish their poo around to mark their territory
RUDDERS
Cheetahs - To enable them to make sharp turns when running
Dolphins - For thrust and direction
Fish - To change direction when swimming
Otters - For swimming
Tigers - To enable them to make sharp turns when running
SWATTING FLIES
Cows
Elephants
Giraffes
Boats
Horses
Zebras
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Rats and Mice - by constricing and dilating their tail blood vessels
WARNING SIGNALS
Cats - Swish their tails from side to side
Rattlesnakes - Rattle their tails as a warning to stay away
