Why do ground-dwelling bandicoots typically have tails short relative to body length?
Answer
A long tail offers little advantage and could impede movement through dense undergrowth
The tail length in bandicoots is characteristic of many fossorial or ground-dwelling mammals. In environments characterized by thick undergrowth, tight spaces, or burrowing activity, a long, trailing tail offers no tactical advantage. Instead, it presents a liability, potentially becoming snagged or impeding quick, necessary movements through dense vegetation or narrow passages. Evolutionary pressure favors a shorter tail which allows for streamlined terrestrial movement close to the ground, aligning with the animal's need for swift escape and efficient burrowing/foraging near the substrate.
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