Why do opossums have long curly tails?

Opossums actually don't have curly tails! Their tails are prehensile, meaning they can grasp and hold onto things, like branches or even food.

Here's why their tails are so useful:

* Balance and Climbing: The prehensile tail helps them maintain balance while climbing trees and navigating their environment.

* Carrying: They can use their tails to carry things like twigs or nesting materials.

* Communication: The tail can be used for communication, with movements conveying different messages like alarm or aggression.

* Fat Storage: Opossums store fat in their tails, which can be helpful during times of scarcity.

So, the long tail of an opossum is a tool for survival, not just a fashion statement.