THE EVOLUTION OF MILEY CYRUS' TONGUE:

The shorter the hair, the longer the tongue. And, as with most good things, it started out with just the tip. Just for fun. Just to see how it felt.

Still trying to have the 'Best of Both Worlds," Miley gives her tongue a little breathing room...

but just the tip...

Like most young, fleece-clad tweens, Miley starts experimenting with her tongue.

Miley's tongue comes in peace.

Miley's tongue even accompanies her on a nice bike ride.

But, as Billy Ray's leash gets shorter, so, too, does Miley's 'do. Does her pose look familiar to anyone?

What about now??

And then it happens.

Mouth wide, Miley lets us know that her tongue is here to stay. By letting go of those last few inches, she says 'goodbye' to just the tip.

All of a sudden...Miley's tongue and Bon Jovi are rumored to be seeing each other.

Miley's tongue becomes a social activist. Miley's tongue is always down for a good cause.

Miley's tongue says, "Yes, we can!"

And then...Miley's tongue takes over the VMA's.

It's her [tongue's] party she can do what she wants to...