Why do some animals have prehensile tails?

Prehensile tails are highly flexible tails adapted for gripping and manipulating objects, providing an evolutionary advantage to species living in trees. Animals like monkeys, opossums, and some reptiles use prehensile tails to grasp branches, stabilise themselves while climbing, or carry materials. This adaptation allows them to navigate arboreal environments more efficiently and access food sources in high or precarious places. The tail essentially acts as a fifth limb, increasing their agility and survival in complex habitats.