Why Do Zebra Have Stripes?

| Posted: 05-01-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 122 | Rating: (118)

(?)

There are many different theories as to why zebra have stripes; here are the three most common theories.

1) Zebras' stripes are like fingerprints with each and every zebra having a different set of stripes. When a female zebra gives birth she will try as much as possible to prevent the newborn foal from seeing other zebras' strips for a few days. By standing between the foal and other zebras in the herd the youngster then can only see its' mothers' stripes and in doing so learns them. The foal is then able to find its' mother just by sight.

2) The second theory has to do with a type of camouflage against predators like lion.
The lion apparently does not have a very detailed and full-colour vision. When Zebra are being chased by predators they will often run close together, making it difficult for the predator to spot the youngsters, as all they would see is a confusing arrangement of black and white stripes all blending in together.
3) The third theory in an interesting one, which is difficult to believe.

The black stripes on a zebra will absorb a lot of heat from the sunlight, whereas the white stripes will reflect a lot of heat. The result of this is the downward movement of air from the black stripes and an upward movement of air from the white stripes, which then creates many small whirling winds on the zebra body. This movement of air is said to cool the zebra down.

Rate this Article:

Current: 5 / 5 stars - 14 vote(s).

Article Tags: Zebra, Zebras, Zebra Stripes

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nature-articles/why-do-zebra-have-stripes-297277.html

Print article

Send to friend

Publish this Article

Author feedback

About the Author:

I am an ex-game ranger from South Africa. I have a Weblog that is filled with information of all sorts of wildlife in Africa. I also talk about all my encounters with dangerous game while doing bush walks. Visit my Blog a http://www.safari-stories.iblog.co.za

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Add new Comment

Think about taking a tour to African safari - Serengeti National Park
By: James Hunt | 23/12/2005 | Travel
If you're planning your next vacation, and want something on the fun and wild side, you may want to think about taking an African safari to the Serengeti. Serengeti National Park is one of the most amazing wildlife parks in the world...

The Beauty and Power of the Zebra
By: Mike Freemen | 14/03/2006 | Pets
The zebra is much more than just a horse with stripes. This article examines the world of the zebra.

Zebra Facts
By: David Meisel | 10/08/2008 | Nature
Interesting facts on Africa’s beautifully painted Burchell's zebra.

The Great Rift
By: Stephanie Nuria | 30/10/2007 | Travel
A scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, one of East Africa's most beautiful landscapes.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Q&A Powered by:

Latest Nature Articles

Town Lake - Lady Bird Lake
By: Ki Gray | 20/08/2008
One of Austin's most popular attractions is Town Lake and its surrounding parklands. This article looks at Austin's popular Town Lake.

Types Of British Flowers - Which Should You Choose?
By: Stuart Anders | 20/08/2008
There are hundreds of types and species of plant that exist on our planet. Here we take a look at some of the more common varieties in the UK.

You Would Be Surprised That These Bodies Of Water Are Lakes
By: Rachel Yoshida | 19/08/2008
They look more like the oceans and have sunk huge ships just like the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Growing Nice Juicy and Sweet Tomatoes
By: Heather Jacobson | 19/08/2008
There's nothing like a home grown tomato to make a sandwich the best! It's simple to grow your own tomatoes. You'll love them and save a bunch of money as well!

An Analysis Of Genetically Modified And Fresh Foods
By: Shaun Parker | 19/08/2008
Focussing on the comments from the Prince of Wales recently, this informative article outlines the debate surrounding GM crops.

When States Face Water Shortages
By: Rachel Yoshida | 19/08/2008
The solutions can be as diverse as the leaders when it comes to such an important issue.

When Roads Suffer Water Damage
By: Rachel Yoshida | 19/08/2008
The power of water has major effects. Even on something as strong as our roads.

All About Natural Hot Water Springs
By: Rachel Yoshida | 19/08/2008
Natural springs are a wonderful gift of nature, so take a glimps into one of natures wonders.

More from David Meisel

Hippo Facts
By: David Meisel | 11/08/2008 | Nature
Hippo, their way of life and the interesting facts.

Zebra Facts
By: David Meisel | 10/08/2008 | Nature
Interesting facts on Africa’s beautifully painted Burchell's zebra.

White Rhino Facts
By: David Meisel | 28/07/2008 | Environment
The White Rhino and the interesting facts about its way of life.

Elephant Culling…is it Necessary?
By: David Meisel | 12/06/2008 | Nature
What you did'nt know about why Elephant culling is so important and the reasons behind it all.

2 Top Ways to Make Money Online
By: David Meisel | 13/01/2008 | Online Business
Affiliate Marketing and Google AdSense. Two very powerful tools used to Make Money Online

Giraffe Facts
By: David Meisel | 06/01/2008 | Nature
All the interesting facts about Giraffe that you probably have'nt heard of before.

Lion Facts
By: David Meisel | 06/01/2008 | Nature
Lots of interesting facts about the African lion as well as a theory you’ve probably never heard of.

Make Money Online With Adsense
By: David Meisel | 05/01/2008 | Business Opportunities
Don't miss out on the Google Adsense opportunity, a real way to make money online.

Article Categories

Article Marketing

Article Notepad

Stop Duplicate Content

Term Papers

Follow ArticlesBase at http://twitter.com

Need Help?

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.49, 13)

Why Do Zebra Have Stripes?

Article Comments

Related Articles

Got a Question? Ask.

Latest Nature Articles

More from David Meisel

Need Help?

Site Links

Webmasters

Business Info

Sign up for our email newsletter