Which of the following best describes the tails of house mice?

The tails of house mice are long relative to their body length, which is a distinctive feature of these rodents. This tail length serves several significant purposes. It helps with balance and communication, as mice use their tails to signal to each other. Additionally, the tail is an important tool for thermoregulation, assisting in maintaining body temperature as it helps dissipate heat. The proportion of the tail to the body size is a key characteristic that differentiates house mice from other rodent species, making it an important factor in identification and understanding their behavior and ecology.

Other options do not accurately reflect the physical attributes of house mice. For instance, a short and thick tail would not provide the necessary balance or signaling ability, and a long and hairy tail does not apply for house mice as their tails are typically hairless and scaly. Finally, a non-existent tail would completely misrepresent their anatomy.