Scientists may never understand exactly why zebras have stripes, but 2019 research published in the Journal of Natural History suggests a plausible answer. The alternating black and white markings on zebras may be part of a cooling system that creates a current of air -- the result of convection -- that acts like a fan, helping their frothy sweat to evaporate and keeping the animals cooler. Alison and Stephen Cobb measured the temperature of the different color stripes on two zebras during a hot and sunny day in Kenya. They found that the black stripes absorbed more heat, causing a small-scale convective air movement that cooled the animals through the evaporative process.
Why zebras earned their stripes:
The researchers also discovered that zebras can raise the hair on their black stripes, while the white ones remain flat, helping trigger the evaporation.
The researchers concluded that the three components -- convective air movements, frothy sweat, and hair raising -- combine to wick the sweat away from their skin and help them cool down.
Previous studies have suggested that the stripes are a form of camouflage, even though zebras spend large periods of time out in the open. Another study posited that the alternating colors disorient blood-sucking horse flies.
Flies are also muddled by zebra stripes - the black is a lousy landing strip. Can planes land safely on an airport strip with zebra lines all over? Poor pilots!
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Flies are also muddled by zebra stripes - the black is a lousy landing strip. Can planes land safely on an airport strip with zebra lines all over? Poor pilots!
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