Why do zebras have stripes?

Answer 1

It,s a type of camouflage for them, when they are in a group, it's difficult for predators to single them out.

Answer 2

There's no black-and-white answer. Scientists have several explanations for the distinctive pattern on a zebra's coat. The stripes may help zebras blend into the tall grass of the African savannah, making it hard for predators to find them. When a herd of zebras is together, all the stripes may confuse predators—they can't tell where one zebra begins and the other ends! This may give weak or elderly zebras a chance to escape.

Answer 3

I would've thought for camouflage. But when you see them in the documentaries out on the open plain, they stick out like a sore thumb. Maybe when they are all together the predator just sees a mass of black and white stripes and can't detect a single zebra on it's own.

Answer 4

Probably as camouflage, and to prevent a predator from singling out an individual prey. Note that lions, like most cats have very poor colour vision, and so the fact that the zebra is only in black and white is not a disadvantage.

Answer 5

To confuse predators. When in a large group predators cannot tell where one zebra ends and another begins. This leads to safety in numbers.

Answer 6

Helps them confuse predators - they move together when threatened, and move around. This creates a visual effect that's distracting, helping the whole herd escape.

Answer 7

So that we can distinguish them from normal horses without stripes.

Answer 8

Camouflage to escape predation. cos they live in grasslands.

Answer 9

Because they would look Silly with Cheques.