Why Do Zebras Have Stripes? Nature’s Stylish Mystery.

Zebras are instantly recognizable due to their bold black-and-white stripes, but have you ever wondered what those stripes are really for?

Scientists have debated the purpose for years, and here are the leading theories:

🦓 Camouflage: In the wild, the stripes can confuse predators, especially when zebras move in a herd. The moving stripes make it hard for lions to single out one target.

🦟 Insect Repellent: Research shows that biting flies, like tsetse flies, are less likely to land on striped patterns, so the stripes may help zebras avoid annoying and dangerous insect bites.

🌡️ Body Cooling: Another theory suggests the stripes may help regulate body temperature by creating air currents as the black and white areas heat differently.

🆔 Identity: Just like human fingerprints, every zebra has a unique stripe pattern, which may help individuals recognize each other, especially mothers and foals.

Zebra stripes aren’t just beautiful, they’re a survival tool with multiple possible functions. Nature really knows how to mix fashion with function.