Why do some animals have long tails?

Animals have long tails for various reasons, including balance, communication, and defense. For example, many species of primates use their tails to balance while navigating through trees. In other animals, like kangaroos, tails help with stability while hopping. Some animals, such as certain species of lizards, use their tails as a defensive mechanism, either to distract predators or to shed the tail and escape. Additionally, long tails can serve as a way to communicate, such as when a cat swishes its tail to signal irritation or focus.