Thereby Hangs A Tail?

Author:
First published in Sanctuary Asia, Vol. 35 No. 8, August 2015
The seahorse's tail boasts of a rare design comprising square segments, unlike the round tails sported by most other animals.
Illustration: Vinay A. Salvi.

Together these squares make stronger and better protected appendages than round ones. The reason is very simple; a square on coming in contact with a surface has more surface area pressed against it. This gives seahorses a better grip.

Each of these square segments is made up of four angular (90 degrees) pieces attached together.

First appeared in: Sanctuary Asia, Vol. XXXV No. 8, August 2015.

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