ZEBRAS
No animal has a more distinctive coat than the zebra. Each animal's stripes
are as unique as fingerprints—no two are exactly alike—although each of the
three species has its own general pattern.
Why do zebras have stripes at all? Scientists aren't sure, but many theories
center on their utility as some form of camouflage. The patterns may make it
difficult for predators to identify a single animal from a running herd and
distort distance at dawn and dusk. Or they may dissuade insects that recognize
only large areas of single-colored fur or act as a kind of natural sunscreen.
Because of their uniqueness, stripes may also help zebras recognize one
another.
Zebras are social animals that spend time in herds. They graze together,
primarily on grass, and even groom one another.
Plains (Burchell's) zebras are the most common species. They live in small
family groups consisting of a male (stallion), several females, and their young.
These units may combine with others to form awe-inspiring herds thousands of
head strong, but family members will remain close within the herd.
Zebras must be constantly wary of lions and hyenas. A herd has many eyes
alert to danger. If an animal is attacked, its family will come to its defense,
circling the wounded zebra and attempting to drive off predators.
No animal has a more distinctive coat than the zebra. Each animal's stripes
are as unique as fingerprints—no two are exactly alike—although each of the
three species has its own general pattern.
Why do zebras have stripes at all? Scientists aren't sure, but many theories
center on their utility as some form of camouflage. The patterns may make it
difficult for predators to identify a single animal from a running herd and
distort distance at dawn and dusk. Or they may dissuade insects that recognize
only large areas of single-colored fur or act as a kind of natural sunscreen.
Because of their uniqueness, stripes may also help zebras recognize one
another.
Zebras are social animals that spend time in herds. They graze together,
primarily on grass, and even groom one another.
Plains (Burchell's) zebras are the most common species. They live in small
family groups consisting of a male (stallion), several females, and their young.
These units may combine with others to form awe-inspiring herds thousands of
head strong, but family members will remain close within the herd.
Zebras must be constantly wary of lions and hyenas. A herd has many eyes
alert to danger. If an animal is attacked, its family will come to its defense,
circling the wounded zebra and attempting to drive off predators.
are as unique as fingerprints—no two are exactly alike—although each of the
three species has its own general pattern.
Why do zebras have stripes at all? Scientists aren't sure, but many theories
center on their utility as some form of camouflage. The patterns may make it
difficult for predators to identify a single animal from a running herd and
distort distance at dawn and dusk. Or they may dissuade insects that recognize
only large areas of single-colored fur or act as a kind of natural sunscreen.
Because of their uniqueness, stripes may also help zebras recognize one
another.
Zebras are social animals that spend time in herds. They graze together,
primarily on grass, and even groom one another.
Plains (Burchell's) zebras are the most common species. They live in small
family groups consisting of a male (stallion), several females, and their young.
These units may combine with others to form awe-inspiring herds thousands of
head strong, but family members will remain close within the herd.
Zebras must be constantly wary of lions and hyenas. A herd has many eyes
alert to danger. If an animal is attacked, its family will come to its defense,
circling the wounded zebra and attempting to drive off predators.
No animal has a more distinctive coat than the zebra. Each animal's stripes
are as unique as fingerprints—no two are exactly alike—although each of the
three species has its own general pattern.
Why do zebras have stripes at all? Scientists aren't sure, but many theories
center on their utility as some form of camouflage. The patterns may make it
difficult for predators to identify a single animal from a running herd and
distort distance at dawn and dusk. Or they may dissuade insects that recognize
only large areas of single-colored fur or act as a kind of natural sunscreen.
Because of their uniqueness, stripes may also help zebras recognize one
another.
Zebras are social animals that spend time in herds. They graze together,
primarily on grass, and even groom one another.
Plains (Burchell's) zebras are the most common species. They live in small
family groups consisting of a male (stallion), several females, and their young.
These units may combine with others to form awe-inspiring herds thousands of
head strong, but family members will remain close within the herd.
Zebras must be constantly wary of lions and hyenas. A herd has many eyes
alert to danger. If an animal is attacked, its family will come to its defense,
circling the wounded zebra and attempting to drive off predators.