Learn how the jerboa, a small jumping animal with a long tail, uses its black-and-white tufted tail to change direction and steer while jumping.
The jerboa is a small animal that looks a bit like a mouse but has very long back legs that help it jump really far. It also has a long tail with a black-and-white fluffy end called a tuft.
When the jerboa jumps and wants to turn quickly, it uses its long tail like a steering wheel. Imagine when you ride a bike and turn the handlebars to change direction. The jerboa moves its tail in the air to help it turn sharply while jumping!
This is important because the jerboa lives in places where it needs to be fast and move quickly to escape from danger. Using its tail to steer helps it jump in the right direction when it wants to change course.
So, the jerboa's tail isn’t just for balance or decoration—it’s like a helpful tool the jerboa uses to guide itself while jumping and turning.