What do tails do for mammals?

Answer 1

Most birds use their tails for balance and steering while flying. Some use them to show off and attract mates.

For birds that can't fly, the tail could just be for balance while running like with the ostrich.

Answer 2

Most mammals have tails. Humans have vestigial of a tail. Mammals have tails of different size, shape for various specific use. e.g For balance,movement guiding,defence,communication, display in courtship.

1. As mood/behavior expression : Wagging in Dogs for recognition or happiness.In cats for threat/aggression. A ducked tail usually to express fear in dogs, whereas an erect tail expresses a dominant territorial claim. The peacock and other species of fowls display their tail during courtship.

2. Balance /equilibrium : In flying squirrels/animals (also in birds)

Some gecko species use tails as extra insurance when on vertical surfaces. The tail of the blue whale for balance while in macaws is extremely long as to offest the weight of their beak. Without the long tail, they would tip over when perching.

3 Movement: Aquatic mammals and other animals that swim, use their tails like propellers to help move through the water with ease. Monkeys use the tail to swing and move.Beavers, otters, alligators, and sharks, are great examples of animals that use their tails to help movement in the water. The West African Dwarf Crocodile will tuck his legs under his body and use only his tail to propel through the water. Salmon, use their tails to up swim upstream to spawn. Horses, cows, buffalos, donkies,mule, zebra and many mammals with tail use use to swish and drive away insects & fly.

4: Defence:Some mammals use the tail to chase away insects on their body. Many reptile species rely on their tail to run from predators. When a larger reptile or mammal grabs a smaller gecko species by the tail, the gecko can drop the tail and scurry away. Another replacement tail will usually grow back in case of another attack.

Answer 3

many animals have tails but for different reasons. tails aid animals with balance, movement, defense, mating, and communication, for example dogs and cats have tails as signs of emotion and communication. horses to swat flies, birds use tails to stay balanced and movement through the air, aquatic animals use tails as propellers, and reptiles rely on their tails to run faster from predators.

Answer 4

Most mammals have tails for balance. But say a bird has a tail for balance, speed and direction.