Zebras are amazing animals, mostly because of their special black-and-white stripes. Many people ask whether zebras are black with white stripes or white with black stripes. This might seem like a simple question, but it has confused scientists and animal lovers for a long time.

Why do zebras have stripes?

Scientists have been studying zebra stripes for a long time, but they still do not fully agree on why zebras have them. Some researchers believe that stripes help zebras hide from predators by making it difficult for lions and other hunters to focus on one zebra in a moving herd. Others think that the stripes help zebras recognize each other, just like human fingerprints are unique to every person.

Another interesting theory is that the stripes help keep zebras cool. This is called the thermoregulation theory. Black stripes absorb heat in the morning, while white stripes reflect sunlight and help cool the zebra in the afternoon. This way, the zebra stays comfortable in the hot African climate.

A 2014 study suggested another reason: the stripes may help zebras avoid biting flies. Scientists found that flies have difficulty landing on striped surfaces, meaning zebras with stripes might get bitten less. Since bite flies can spread diseases, this could be an important advantage for zebras. However, not all scientists agree with this theory, and research is still ongoing.

Are Zebras black or white?

To answer this question, we need to understand how zebra fur grows. Luis Villazon, a zoologist, told BBC SF that "most zebras have dark skin under their fur." This means that under their stripes, zebras are actually black. Their fur, however, has both black and white stripes.

The fur gets its color from special cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, which is the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. In zebras, some melanocytes are active and produce black fur, while others are inactive, resulting in white fur. This means that the white stripes are simply areas where melanin is not present. In other words, zebras are black, but they have white stripes due to the absence of melanin in certain areas.

If a zebra were shaved, its skin would appear mostly black. This further proves that black is the default color of a zebra’s body. Scientists have also discovered that certain genes control the formation of stripes. Genes like Alx3 help determine where melanin is produced, leading to the formation of black and white patterns.

Even though we now understand that zebras are black with white stripes, the purpose of their stripes is still a mystery. Scientists continue to study the different theories to find out why zebras have these unique patterns. Whether it is for camouflage, keeping cool, or avoiding flies, zebra stripes remain one of nature’s most interesting features.

Zebras are truly unique creatures, and their striking patterns make them one of the most recognizable animals in the world. While we may not have all the answers yet, ongoing research will continue to uncover more about these fascinating animals and their beautiful stripes.

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