Editing Diplodocidae (section)

===Tail function===

Diplodocids also had long, whip-like [[tail]]s, which were thick at the base and tapered off to be very thin at the end. Computer simulations have shown that the diplodocids could have easily snapped their tails, like a [[bullwhip]]. This could generate a [[sonic boom]] in excess of 200 [[decibel]]s, and may have been used in mating displays, or to drive off predators. There is some circumstantial evidence supporting this as well: a number of diplodocids have been found with fused or damaged tail [[vertebra]]e, which may be a symptom of cracking their tails: these are particularly common between the 18th and the 25th caudal vertebra, a region the authors consider a transitional zone between the stiff muscular base and the flexible whiplike section.<ref name="MyrhvoldCurrie1997"/> However, Rega (2012) notes that ''[[Camarasaurus]]'', while lacking a tailwhip, displays a similar level of caudal co-ossification, and that ''[[Mamenchisaurus]]'', while having the same pattern of vertebral metrics, lacks a tailwhip and doesn't display fusion in any "transitional region". Also, the crush fractures which would be expected if the tail was used as a whip have never been found in diplodocids.<ref name="Rega2012"/> More recently, Baron (2020) considers the use of the tail as a bullwhip unlikely because of the potentially catastrophic muscle and skeletal damage such speeds could cause on the large and heavy tail. Instead, he proposes that the tails might have been used as a tactile organ to keep in touch with the individuals behind and on the sides in a group while migrating, which could have augmented cohesion and allowed communication among individuals while limiting more energetically demanding activities like stopping to search for dispersed individuals, turning to visually check on individuals behind, or communicating vocally.<ref name="Baron2021"/>