What if Humans Had Tails?
The tail is a common appendage found throughout the animal kingdom. It comes in different shapes and sizes and plays an important role for many mammals, birds, and reptiles.But of course, not every species has a tail. For instance, scientists say that human beings had ancestors with variations of tails in the past, but due to evolution, the appendages disappeared around 25 million years ago.But what if humans still had tails? Would our lives be very different? Anthropologists say that the effect on human lives would depend on the type of the tail. For example, prehensile tails like those of monkeys can be used to grasp objects and hold onto tree limbs.However, anthropologists believe human tails would more likely be similar to those of primates like baboons, which are used for better balance.At the same time, if human tails were long and furry, they could be used to keep people warm in winter. The tails would also be useful to store fat for the long cold months.Or perhaps human tails might have been similar to those of kangaroos. Then, they would be used like a tripod, helping to support people’s weight and add power to their movement.On the other hand, scientists point out that having a tail could also pose some difficulties and inconveniences. Long tails are prone to get stepped on or get caught in doors. Meanwhile, short tails would make it difficult to sit down unless we modify our chairs.
Questions:1. When did tails of human ancestors disappear?2. What did anthropologist say about the effect of tails on human?3. If humans have tails to which animal tail is it similar to and why?4. What are the other possibilities that human tails will be like?5. If having tails is really useful for us, would it be fine for you to have it or not? Why?
