Why can geckos automatically dock their tails?

Geckos can automatically dock their tails because they have a defense mechanism to avoid predators, which is called "automatic tail docking" or "self-cutting tail". The following is an explanation of the automatic tail docking of geckos:

1. Self-protection: When geckos feel threatened or in a dangerous situation, they can actively disconnect their tails to distract predators. Predators often focus on attacking, chasing or eating a gecko's tail, and the gecko uses the opportunity to escape.

2. Self-regeneration ability: The gecko’s tail can regenerate. After the tail is automatically docked, the gecko's tail section will form a special tissue called a "tail segment." Over time, the stump will heal and regrow a new tail. However, the new tail may often be slightly simpler or less functional than the original tail.

3. Disperse predators: Automatic tail docking not only gives the gecko a chance to escape, but it also attracts predators to attack the tail, thus keeping the other body parts of the gecko relatively safe. The attacked tail will continue to twist and squirm, further attracting the predator's attention.

It's worth noting that not all geckos can automatically dock their tails, and different species of geckos may have differences in tail docking and regeneration. Automatic tail docking may be a survival strategy for geckos, but it's still a surprising and interesting feature.

animal tags：