acaudált

Acaudalt is a term used in biology, specifically in zoology, to describe a creature that lacks a tail. The word itself is derived from Latin, with "a-" meaning "without" and "caudatus" meaning "tailed." This characteristic is not exclusive to any single group of animals but can be found across various species.

In mammals, for instance, some species are naturally tailless or have very reduced tails. Examples include certain breeds of dogs, such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which are known for their short or absent tails, often due to selective breeding. Primates also exhibit a range of tail types, and some, like humans and apes, are truly acaudalt, lacking an external tail altogether.

Among reptiles, while many are characterized by their prominent tails, some species have evolved to be tailless. This can be an adaptation for various reasons, such as defense mechanisms where the tail is shed, or as a result of evolutionary divergence. Similarly, in amphibians, a tail is present in larval stages but is often lost during metamorphosis, leading to adult forms that are acaudalt.

The absence of a tail can influence an animal's locomotion, balance, and communication. For species that have evolved to be tailless, alternative adaptations often compensate for the loss of tail function. The term acaudalt serves as a simple descriptor for this common biological feature.