| rst glance it may seem that a Zebra is done a great | | | | predators. It becomes even more difficult for |
| disservice by its stripes. To us humans, the unique | | | | predators at dawn or dusk because the stripes make |
| pattern of stripes makes the zebra the most visible | | | | it difficult for them to judge how far they are from |
| animal on the unending African plains. | | | | the zebras. |
| Zebra stripes may look uniform to us, but in actuality, | | | | There is another theory regarding these stripes that |
| the stripes are exclusive to each animal. Of course, | | | | is also very compelling. To understand this theory you |
| there is a general pattern to the stripes that is | | | | have to first realize that lions are color blind and can |
| common to each sub species of zebra. However, the | | | | only see the zebras stripes as a pattern. With this in |
| stripes are to each individual zebra the way | | | | mind you will understand how easy it is for a zebra, |
| fingerprints are to humans. As a matter of fact, it is | | | | with its dramatic vertical stripes, to hide in tall grass. |
| possible for scientists and naturalists to identify | | | | It is also believed that the vertical strips serve to |
| individual zebras in a herd by comparing the patterns | | | | consume the tsetse fly, a dangerous insect predator. |
| of their stripes. Even the width of the stripes is not | | | | The irony is that these stripes which have served |
| uniform and there is some variation in the coloring as | | | | the zebra so well against its natural predators for |
| well from animal to animal. | | | | millennia are its biggest enemy at this point of time. |
| There is always a good evolutionary reason for | | | | At this point of time, zebras are facing the greatest |
| characteristics that animals have. The issue is that | | | | threat to their survival due to the newest and most |
| scientists have not arrived at a consensus regarding | | | | dangerous predator, man. Their stripes serve them |
| the reasons for the zebra’s distinctive stripes. | | | | no protection against man, and they are actually the |
| The different theories all agree that the zebra stripes | | | | reason why they are hunted. |
| are a very crucial form of camoflague for these | | | | Zebra skins are much in demand because they make |
| herbivorous animals. | | | | very interesting and unique rugs and upholstery. They |
| One possible reason for a zebra’s vivid | | | | can also be mounted on walls, although that is not |
| patterns can be understood if you view the herd of | | | | very common. You might have seen the same at |
| animals together, particularly when they are running. | | | | plenty of houses and how it imparts a special color |
| Their zig zag patterns make it difficult to identify any | | | | and significance to the place where it is put up. It |
| particular animal and predators can easily get | | | | gives a classic and special look to the entire living. |
| confused about which specific animal to target. This is | | | | Thought it is expensive and a rare piece, there are |
| a definite advantage for animals that have to avoid | | | | several differing options on the same context! |