While zebras may resemble horses and other members of the Equidae family, their stripes truly set them apart. These high-contrast markings are stunning visually, but do they serve another purpose? If we know anything about the animal kingdom, zebras’ stripes are likely a far more important part of their functioning in the wild than we may think. So, why do zebras have stripes? Read on to learn more.
Do We Know Why Zebras Have Stripes?
Given all we’ve learned about the animal kingdom so far, you may believe that we have the definitive answer to why zebras have stripes by now. However, the truth is, scientists still don’t know for sure the reasons for this aesthetic adaptation. That doesn’t mean we don’t have some very likely theories, though. In fact, there are a number of common ideas that could explain this interesting evolution, and the real answer is likely a combination of them all!
In 2019, evolutionary biologists set out to research the question: Why do zebras have stripes? Once and for all. These scientists dressed horses in zebra-striped jackets and monitored them alongside actual zebras to see if they could pinpoint the necessity of these striking stripes. Some of the theories they were looking to test included:
- Keeping cool
- Deterring biting flies
- Camouflage
- Recognition
- Protection
What do many of these theories have in common? They would have adapted in response to a zebra’s environment over time. Adaptations are physical or behavioral qualities that develop over time to help them better survive their environment. When it comes to zebra stripes, most of the common theories come back to this one evolutionary concept.
The Art of Camouflage
Camouflage is a common adaptation for animals when it comes to ensuring their survival. The most common example would be a chameleon and their ability to shift colors to match their environment, but there are tons of animals who use camouflage to their advantage in the wild.
So, what if zebras adapted their unique stripes for better camouflage? It seems like a bit of a shocking choice, don’t you think? However, when you consider the landscape of their native Africa, you can see how their stripes may make it easier to blend into the long grasses and bare trees. Another aspect of camouflage that scientists have considered when it comes to zebras is their ability to blend together, making it more difficult for predators to stalk one specific zebra.
Camouflage was one of the leading theories for why zebras developed stripes for a long time; however, recent research has shown this is likely not the case.
Protection from Pests
An interesting fact about zebras is that they’re a major part of managing the insect population in the Serengeti. The vegetation that zebras thrive on is also a common source of food for insects, so by eating these plants, zebras are helping to control potential insect overpopulation.
So, how might their stripes protect them from these same pests they’re helping to control? In Africa, biting flies such as horseflies and mosquitoes are common concerns as they can carry diseases, including potentially fatal equine influenza. It’s been suggested that zebras adapted their high-contrast stripes as a way to deter these pests.
In the same 2019 study we mentioned earlier, scientists found that zebras and horses in striped jackets had far fewer biting flies hovering around them than their non-striped counterparts. It’s thought that flies find it difficult to land on black and white-striped surfaces and therefore have adapted to avoid these patterns.
Keeping Cool
Zebras are one of the species of animals unique to Africa. The hot and often dry climate makes it essential that these animals can regulate their temperature. This is where the theory that zebra stripes help with thermoregulation developed.
The main thought behind this theory is that black stripes would allow zebras to absorb more light and warmth from the sun on cooler mornings, helping them stay warm. While the white stripes reflect more of the hot afternoon sun, helping them to stay cooler while grazing during the day. In addition, the hair and striping patterns may contribute to sweat processes, allowing for greater cooling through evaporation.
However, this theory has proven difficult to prove, and scientists are still on the fence about whether this adaptation really impacts thermoregulation.
Are Zebra Stripes the Same as Fingerprints?
One of the lingering theories behind zebras’ need for stripes relates to recognition. It’s thought that, just as fingerprints are unique to each human, the unique striping pattern of each zebra makes them more recognizable to their herd.
While it has been shown that striping patterns among different species of zebras and individual zebras are quite unique, the argument that these stripes serve as identification for other zebras has not been fully supported as a reason for the evolution of their striking patterns.
It has, however, been considered that these stripes make them more attractive to mates. Much like birds, who have developed beautiful colors and feature structures as a way of showing off to potential mates, the unique stripes of each zebra have potentially evolved for this purpose as well.
Conclusion
Despite all the knowledge we’ve gained about the animal kingdom so far, the reasoning behind zebras having stripes has proven difficult to prove. Currently, there is support for their stripes serving as pest control for biting flies and insects, but there are a number of common theories that have yet to be entirely disproven. For now, we may want to consider that this adaptation serves many purposes for zebras and their survival.
