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Animal Tails & Their Uses

Many kinds of animals have tails, such as fish, birds, a variety of mammals and reptiles. Animals use their tail for a variety of different purposes. The tail itself is a distinct, flexible appendage attached to the torso and the animal's body. Some animals have small tails called scuts, such as deer, while other animals have long tails that may serve a variety of purposes, such as a lion. For most animals, losing its tails spells disaster, or at least a severe handicap. Some animals are lucky, however, and can grow back a tail if it loses it.

Communication
- Many animals use their tails to communicate and send signals. Dogs are very expressive with their tails, wagging their tails in excitement and play or tucking the tail between their hind legs to express fear. Many deer in the wild will show the whites of their tail to warn of impending danger in a signal of distress. Many cats both wild and domestic will twitch their tails from side to side in tense moments or before bouncing on prey.
Balance and Locomotion
- Some animals need their tail to maintain balance. The jumping mouse, for example, has a very long tail. Without this long tail, the jumping mouse would fall over after leaping. Fish swish their tails from side to side to aid in swimming, while the mole uses his tail to move backwards in his burrow. The alligator and crocodile both use their tails to aid in swimming.
Swatting Flies
- Just like humans, many animals can't stand those pesky flies or any other aggravating insect. Many animals such as cows, horses and zebras use their tails to chase away the annoying critters.
Grasping Objects
- Other animals such as some monkeys have what is called prehensile tails. Animals with prehensile tails can use their tail to grasp objects, such as hanging on tree branches or picking up objects off the ground.
Lethal Weapons and Escape Tactics
- Many animals use their tails as weapons. Think of the fierce alligator or crocodile, which can kill prey with a powerful swipe of its tail. A lizard's tail breaks off easily and if a predator grabs it, the lizard will leave the tail behind to escape. The lizard later grows its tail back.

Animals & Science