The fact that the zebra's stripes are passed down in its DNA indicates that the stripes may serve an evolutionary advantage. What do you think is the evolutionary need for such complex designs?

Question

Miley Warren

Biology

2 September, 13:48

The fact that the zebra's stripes are passed down in its DNA indicates that the stripes may serve an evolutionary advantage. What do you think is the evolutionary need for such complex designs?

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Answers (1)

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Stephen Russell · Answer 1

Camouflage and other visual illusions

Explanation:

There are several theories for why zebras have evolved to have striped coats. One of the lines of thinking is that it allows them to blend into long grass to avoid predation. The stripes blend into a sort of gray colour at a distance, making them difficult to spot.

The stripes may also "dazzle" their predators, because the properties of black and white stripes can give the illusion of movement. If there are many zebra huddled together, some moving, some not, it may be difficult for a predator to lock on to its prey.

It could be some sort of deterrent to stop bugs and other pests, because they can less successfully land on striped patterns.