Michael Schafer, age 9, of Fenwick, Ont., Canada, for his question:

HOW IMPORTANT IS AN ANIMAL'S TAIL?

Many animals would be in big trouble if they lost their tails. Some tails are essential for swimming, some for flying, some for jumping and some for swinging. Most animals need their tails for balance. A few use theirs to say, "Look at me! Aren't I handsome?"

An animal's tail is    often an important, if not vital, part of the body. Some members of the monkey clan use their tail as an extra arm. These prehensile (grasping) tails are great for climbing, swinging from bough to bough, hanging upside down and seizing assorted objects. The opossum also has a prehensile tail, which gives him balance and a firm hold when climbing trees. Baby opossums wrap their tails around mama's back as they cling to her fur during their infancy.

Birds need their tails to stabilize their flight and to balance themselves while perching. Many male birds, such as the beautiful proud peacock, fan their tail feathers as they strut around their chosen lady fair.

Beavers take full advantage of their tails. While in the water, these master architects of dams and lodges use their flat, paddle like tail to steer. And if danger approaches, they smack it on the water as a warning to other beavers nearby. Beavers also prop themselves up with their tails while gnawing away tender bark.

The skunk's tail is important for defense. When an enemy approaches, up it goes  and all wary creatures recognize this as a sign to get away before the spraying starts. Kangaroos rely on their tails for balance as they execute their majestic leaps. The tail also provides a sitting kangaroo freedom to use his powerful legs to defend himself.

Reptiles use their tails in a variety of ways. Crocodiles and alligators often employ theirs as powerful weapons. One good swipe at an animal is usually fatal. Lizards need their tails for leverage while scooting, slithering or climbing about, and many species grow a new one if the old one turns up missing.

A porcupine's tail is covered with stilleto sharp quills and, if threatened, porky will slap the intruder with this effective weapon. What's more, porky often hangs by his tail, a trick the kinkajou, a member of the raccoon clan, does especially well. Anchored firmly by his tail to a limb, he can swing back and forth, grabbing juicy fruits now and then.

Some bats curl their tails so that the skin between their back legs and tail makes a basket. This handy carry all is great for catching and holding a large insect or, better yet, as a built in cradle for a newborn baby.

Dogs, of course, use their tails to communicate. They wag them in greeting, drop them in shame and tuck them between their legs in submission. Experts have only scratched the surface in determining the importance of tails. But you can be sure they do wonderful things, regardless of size or shape.