Why do zebras have stripes?
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If you could have stripes in any colors, where would you put them?
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Transcript
Why do zebras have stripes? Let's wonder together!
A zebra’s black and white stripes make a busy pattern when zebras stand close together. That can make it harder for biting flies to land.
Stripes may also help zebras look less clear from far away in tall grass. A zebra can blend into the lines of grass and shadows.
Each zebra has its own stripe pattern, a little like its own special picture. Baby zebras can use those stripes to find their mother.
So zebras’ stripes may help with flies, grass, and finding family. Those bold lines are useful!
For grown-ups: the science
Zebra stripes may keep biting flies away, help zebras blend into grass, and help babies find their mothers.
Zebra stripes are strongly supported as reducing attacks and landings by biting flies, likely by disrupting how flies approach and land. Camouflage and individual recognition are possible benefits, but evidence for camouflage against large predators is less strong, and mother-young recognition uses several cues, including sight, sound, and smell. Every zebra’s stripe pattern is unique.