Why do zebras need black and white stripes all over their body?
The purpose of a zebra’s stripes has long been debated. One theory maintains that a zebra herds’ stripes serve to disorient predators that rely on their ability to single out one individual. Another theory is based on the uniqueness of each zebra’s set of stripes (no two are the same, like a fingerprint), asserting that herd members use their coat patterns to identify one another. This is thought to be of special importance to young foals, which rely on their mother’s rump print for recognition when following behind her during travel.
