2006-09-18 08:19:16 · 19 answers · asked by FrogZ...! 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
ANSWER 1: Rats use their tails to balance and also to help maintain body temperature. The rat has specialised blood vessels, which control the amount of blood flowing to its tail. Blood flowing into the furless skin of the tail carries heat, which is then radiated out of the body.
The rat can direct anywhere between 0.1 and 10 per cent of its cardiac output to the tail. Under ideal conditions, it can get rid of up to 20 per cent of its metabolic heat in this way. Conversely, restricting blood flow to the tail reduces heat loss in cold weather.
It is interesting to note that the length of the rat's tail is partly determined by the temperature of the environment in which it is raised.
Radiating heat through the skin plays a major part in regulating body temperature in humans as well.
2006-09-18 08:20:59 · answer #1 · answered by DanE 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Rats' tails are one of the most important features. Rats use their tails to keep balance and let them do incredible things. Rats also use their tails to regulate heat. Rats with short or no tails are prone to heat exhaustion, which is, sadly, a problem even in long-tailed rats. There are tailless or Manx rats available from some breeders. Although more appealing to many people, these rats are more sensitive to heat and can be crippled by the genes.
2006-09-18 15:22:16 · answer #2 · answered by chaste_hermione 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I really like Daniel's answer!!
And to all you rat haters.....you just don't understand. Rats are the BEST upcoming (rodent) pet for children. They don't bite like hamsters, gerbils and mice. They don't piss and crap all over like the previously mentioned or a guinea pig. They can be let out of their cages and will always return (not disappear for days). And most impoertantly they are HIGHLY trainable which makes it a much more interactive pet for a child.
Don't dislike them because you don't know what excellent pets they make!
2006-09-18 15:57:50 · answer #3 · answered by msnite1969 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Their tail gives them balance.
2006-09-18 15:26:39 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Balance and temperature regulation.
2006-09-18 16:24:13 · answer #5 · answered by fish lips 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rats run blood thru them to cool down thier tiny bodies, not only that, but they look so cool!
2006-09-18 15:34:56 · answer #6 · answered by Bob7k 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Daniel E and
chaste_he... Have the correct answers!!!
2006-09-18 15:35:29 · answer #7 · answered by Julia F 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For balance.
2006-09-18 15:21:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
to keep their balance
2006-09-18 15:44:03 · answer #9 · answered by .::country gurl in a 4X4::. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So you can tell which end is the head and which is the *ss.
2006-09-18 15:20:50 · answer #10 · answered by morrowynd 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋