AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -As dogs show, tails are useful for visual communication, slapping away flying insects and other functions. Adult apes, including human ancestors, took the tail loss process a step further, Sallan said, “losing the remaining bony tail for better upright movement.

Detailed explanation-2: -He noted that while humans and apes lack a visible tail, they share a tiny set of vertebrae that extend beyond the pelvis-a structure known as the coccyx.

Detailed explanation-3: -A new study suggests that an ancient genetic change helps to explain why apes and people do not have tails, but monkeys still do. A team of scientists says it may have pinpointed the genetic mutation that contributed to tail loss.

Detailed explanation-4: -“Humans belong to a group called the great apes, and along with chimps, gorillas and orang-utans, none of us have tails. The lesser apes like gibbons don’t have tails either and they give us a clue as to how not having a tail can be an advantage.