What behavior, involving the tail, is used by *Xerus* squirrels for social communication among colony members?
Answer
Rapid flicks or specific postures of the tail are used to alert colony members to danger or signal dominance
Beyond its critical role in thermoregulation and balance, the tail of the *Xerus* squirrel functions as a key tool for intraspecies communication within the colony structure. Social signaling is achieved through dynamic movements of this appendage. Specific rapid flicks or adopting distinct postures with the tail are employed as visual warnings to alert nearby colony members of potential dangers, or conversely, they can be used to communicate dominance during minor disputes over resources or territorial boundaries.
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