Long tails evolve in vertebrate species that use their tail for balance. Indeed, long tails act as a useful counterbalance for animals that lead an active lifestyle—monkeys, for example, and some lizards. A number of birds also share this characteristic, their elongated tail feathers or streamers serving an aerodynamic purpose as well as providing a dazzling focus during courtship rituals. Some of the smallest rodents have the longest tails, and there are several species of fish noted for their extended tail fins. So, which are the longest tails in the animal kingdom?
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