Different animals use their tails for different purposes. Animals such as monkeys and opossums have what is called a prehensile tail, which allows them to grasp tree branches. Grazing animals like horses and cows use tails to swat flies. Cats like lions and tigers use it for balance, especially when running. Kangaroos too use their tails for balance. Tails are also used for communication – dogs wag their tails to express affection; deer flash their white underside of their tail to warn other deer in the vicinity of possible danger, and female deer do so when they are ready to breed; and beavers slap the water with their tails to indicate danger.
Some species use their tail to escape from their enemies (lizards detach their tails to prevent an attack from its predator), while others use it to attack their enemies (Scorpions have venom at the end of their tail, while rattlesnakes have a special organ at the end of their tail that enables them to warn intruders and keep enemies at bay).
Did you know crocodiles and alligators store fat in their tails?
Picture Credit : Google