Tails

autotomize
Like many lizards, iguanas can "drop" or autotomize their tails. The detached piece of tail thrashes and wriggles to distract the predator while the iguana runs to safety.

Skunks are legendary for their powerful deterrent—a hard-to-remove, foul smelling spray. To employ their scent bomb they simply lift their tail and blast their foe.

display
Males have iridescent blue bodies and multicolored tail feathers ending with colorful 'eyes.' As the males strut, females choose their partners based on the beauty of the display.

Spider monkeys swing in the upper layers of the rainforest with their disproportionately long limbs and prehensile tail.

The gliding ability of the flying squirrel is attributed to a parachute-like membrane which stretches from wrist to ankle. Their tail is used as a rudder, as well as an air brake for landing.

whip-like
The giant stingray, elusive and understudied, possesses a large whip-like tail armed with a razor-sharp stinger.