Are zebras black with white stripes or white with black stripes? What color is their skin anyway?
October 16, 2024
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Immediately zebra stripe Let’s make this clear, even if we gloss over it. Moreover, these lines What benefits? You also learn what it adds. The answer to the
Immediately zebra stripe Let’s make this clear, even if we gloss over it.
Moreover, these lines What benefits? You also learn what it adds.
The answer to the zebra lies hidden in genetics!
Let’s first look at the genetic structure of zebras. Actually, zebras are technically black skinned As you can see in the photo, the baby zebra is dark in color.
This also appears to happen during fetal development. zebra embryos Originally completely covered with black leather. White lines appear later due to the pigmentation process.
So zebras have white stripes on their actually black body. “painted” It seems like it.
What separates the white and black stripes?
Another interesting point about how zebra stripes are formed is that melanin, that is: distribution of pigment. Melanin pigment, which gives color to the skin, is found more intensely in the black areas of zebras. The cause of white spots is a deficiency of melanin.
In that sense white lines areas where pigment cannot be produced We can also think of it as . This brings us to the following conclusion: we can say that zebras are basically black and the white stripes are on this black background.
Each zebra individually has different stripe patterns.
Just as our fingerprints are unique, so are the patterns of zebras. This is them Helps determine their identity within the herd It happens. However, the question of exactly how and why the lines evolved remains a mystery.
Some theories, lines helps regulate body temperature suggests that this is so, but these hypotheses are still subject to debate.
Lines also have some functions.
flying and others keeping harmful insects at bay These lines are very useful. They even tried this on cows for a while. They painted the cows with stripes and saw that the flies actually stayed away.
The stripes also allow zebras traveling in herds to stay in harmony with each other. These lines are one camouflage mission It sees predators and distracts them.
In addition to appearance, zebras are actually due to these stripes. survival advantage He wins too.
Sources: LiveScience, How Things Work, Science Focus
Ashley Johnson is a science writer for “Div Bracket”. With a background in the natural sciences and a passion for exploring the mysteries of the universe, she provides in-depth coverage of the latest scientific developments.