Almost every animal has a tail: the dog, wolf, feline, squirrel, kangaroo; you name it. But why do they have that tail and what do they do with it?
Whether it is a dog, cat, lion, leopard, fox, monkey, bird, deer or crocodile, they all have a tail and all of them use it constantly. But for what?
Tail for balance and signal
Many animals such as dogs, monkeys and felines use their tails to keep their balance. Especially during hunting, the tail of a lion plays a crucial role. But if a lion swings back and forth with its tail, you better stay away from it. With this, this big cat shows that he is angry.
In other words, the tail often has a signaling function. That applies equally well to the tails of deer. They warn each other in this way when there is danger. A wagging tail of a dog tells us again that the animal is cheerful and enthusiastic. But the wrangling of a cow or horse has something entirely different to it. In this way, he conveniently stores the flies of his body.
Danger
Other animals can hang on their tail like spider monkeys, or lean on them, like meerkats. Kangaroos do the same, but not to relax. When a kangoe roar is leaning on his tail, he can use his enormous strong hind legs to hand out a mean kick.
And speaking of danger: some animals use their tail as a weapon, such as crocodiles and rodents. The poisonous sting at the end of the tail of the scorpion is especially dangerous.
Tail to steer
Less threatening is the use of the tails of birds. They consist of tail feathers that they use to show off, like the peacock and the pheasant for example. But especially to steer while flying. Interestingly, another animal does the same thing, even though it is not even a bird! That is the squirrel, who can adjust his jump through the air from one tree to another.
Yet another way in which animals use their tail is to get ahead. For example, the snake – actually one long tail – slides across the ground in a continuous twisting motion. They also continue to move in the water. Fish use their tail, and body, also to move forward in the water.
And the man then?
In humans, however, the thing has become useless. What remains is the tailbone or tailbone that forms the connection point for the disappeared tail with the spine. The bounce consists of three to five merged vertebrae. The only real function that it still has is that it forms an attachment point for the main muscle in the buttocks. The breech can also function as a shock absorber, if you sit down.