Zebras are very beautiful animals, and the black and white stripes on their bodies make them stand out on the savannah. But, you know what? These stripes aren't just for good looks, they have a lot of important roles.
Protective color
The black and white stripes of zebras can help hide them in their surroundings, making them harder to spot by predators. In the wild, zebras are often on a multi-colored background such as bushes and grasslands. Black and white stripes can make zebras more difficult to detect by predators against this background, acting as a degree of camouflage.
When a herd of zebras gallops, the stripes on their bodies can dazzle and distract predators. Scientists did an experiment with a computer and found that it was difficult for people to catch moving streaked objects on computers. This suggests that zebra stripes can interfere with the predator's visual system, reducing the likelihood of being chased and attacked.
The protective color of zebras not only allows them to escape the threat of large carnivores such as lions and leopards, but also allows them to avoid water hazards such as crocodiles and sharks. Scientists have found that black and white stripes in the water can make zebras more difficult to spot by underwater predators, because the light in the water can create an optical illusion that makes the zebra look like aquatic plants or other objects.
Deworming
The black and white stripes of zebras can also help them reduce their bites. Some studies have shown that black and white stripes can disturb the visual system of blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes, reducing the probability of them biting zebras. These insects usually only perceive black and white contrast, and zebra stripes make it impossible for them to distinguish black and white boundaries on zebras, reducing the likelihood of infestation and bites.
These insects not only cause pain and discomfort to zebras, but also transmit diseases such as equine malaria, African horse plague, etc. Zebra stripes can help them defend against these dangers and stay healthy.
In addition to blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes, zebras also face light-sensitive insects such as tsetse flies and horse flies. These insects use optical features to find food and water. The black and white stripes of zebras can interfere with these insects' perception of light, preventing them from locating the zebra and thus moving away from the zebra.
identify
The black and white stripes of zebras can also help them identify each other in large herds. In large herds, zebra stripes can help them distinguish from each other, find their mates and relatives, and help with socialization and breeding. Each zebra's stripe is unique, just like a human fingerprint. Zebras can recognize their own kind by stripes, building trust and friendship.
Zebra stripes can also reflect their gender, age, health status, and more. Scientists have found that male zebras typically have thicker and wider stripes than female zebras, possibly to attract the opposite sex or show strength. The stripes of young zebras are usually brighter and clearer than those of older zebras, possibly to show vitality or acclimatization. Healthy zebra stripes are usually more symmetrical and neatly than sick zebra stripes, possibly to show health or avoid being eliminated.
The black and white stripes on zebras are not only beautiful, but also the result of an adaptation left by natural selection during evolution. They allow zebras to survive and breed on the savannah, showing a unique charm. We should respect and protect these wonderful animals so that they can continue to enjoy a free and happy life.