7/29/2023 0 Comments Zebra with no stripesThe most long-standing hypothesis of zebra stripes was the one debated by Alfred Russell Wallace and Charles Darwin. Let us examine two popular theories people have had about the reasons as to why zebras have stripes. There are many theories and counter-theories to this riddle of zebra stripes. Scientists are not sure why zebras have not blended in with the browns and reds or why they have stripes. Zoologists have yet to unravel the mysteries behind its signature striped suit. So why have stripes at all when that would make them conspicuous and exposed to the ubiquitous predators? The zebra stripes remain a mystery to science even today. Their black and white stripes seem so out of place in the bush, in particular against a plain savanna background. Zebra stripes stand out among other African grazers. Zebra stripes for camouflage and identification Two old theories And that is how zebras get their black and white stripes. In the uterus, the dark pigment melanin deactivates its function for the hair follicles in certain areas of skin. Then they go on to develop white stripes before their birth. It has to do with selective pigmentation caused by melanocyte skin cells during the embryonic phase. Zebra embryos start out with dark skin. The unique and peculiar patterns of zebra stripes is hereditary and determined by genetics. Common zebra has horizontal stripes on its sides and broader stripes elsewhere. The Grevy’s zebra has thin lines that curve upwards. Mountain zebras have vertical stripes on its torso and neck but horizontal stripes on its haunches. Each of the three species of zebras, the Mountain zebra, the Grevy’s zebra and the Common zebra, has its general pattern. It makes them the most beautiful animals in the jungle. One of the peculiar features of zebras is their black and white stripped-patterned hide.
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