Acolous

/ˈækələs/ adjective

Definition

Having no tail or tail-like appendage; used in zoology to describe animals or organisms lacking a caudal structure.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) combined with 'kolon' (tail), creating a scientific term for creatures without tails or tail-like structures.

Kelly Says

Most animals with tails eventually lose them through evolution—humans are acolous, and so are apes and other primates, which is why our ancestors ditched their tails millions of years ago.

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