How apes may have lost their tails.

A recent study published in Science News suggests that a genetic parasite called an Alu element may have caused apes, including humans, to lose their tails. The Alu element inserted itself into a gene called Tbxt, which is important for tail development, about 25 million years ago. This insertion altered the gene in a way that resulted in apes not having tails, while monkeys still do. The study also suggests that this genetic tweak may be related to spinal cord defects in some individuals. The Alu element is part of a group of genetic parasites known as transposons, which can insert themselves into new spots in their host's DNA. While the study provides insight into how apes lost their tails, the reasons behind this evolutionary change are still unclear. Further research is needed to explore whether similar genetic changes occurred in other animals with short or no tails. [Extracted from the article]