Zebras are perhaps one of the most iconic and interesting animals in the animal kingdom, and we are known for their dramatic looks. We are all amazed at their dramatic black and white stripes. We are all fascinated by their striking black and white stripes. While we admire their beauty, one question always lingers in our minds: are they actually black with white stripes or white with black stripes? It’s a question that might seem silly, but it has puzzled many of us.
Why are Zebras striped?
Scientists are still debate why zebras are striped despite much research. Various reasons have been postulated, such as camouflage, predator avoidance, and individual markers like human fingerprints. In 2014, a study indicated that striped patterns might discourage biting flies from landing because biting flies find it hard to land on striped surfaces. This was based on the observation that striping prevails where fly populations are high. However, not all scientists agree. Some favour the thermoregulation theory, which suggests that black stripes absorb heat in the morning, while white stripes reflect light to cool the zebra in the afternoon.
Black or White stripes?
Zebras are indeed black with white stripes, a fact that becomes clear when we understand how their fur grows and how melanin affects their colouration. Luis Villazon, a zoologist, told BBC SF that most zebras have dark skin under their fur. Their stripes are made of both black and white fur, not just white fur with gaps. The fur grows from follicles with pigment cells. In white fur, these cells are inactive. This means black is the main colour, so that’s why many experts say zebras are black with white stripes.
Zebras have both black and white fur, which grows from follicles containing melanocyte cells. These cells produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour. In zebras, chemical signals determine which melanocytes deliver pigment to which section of fur, creating the distinctive black-and-white pattern. The white stripes are not a result of a specific pigment but rather an absence of melanin. This means that black is the default colour of a zebra’s fur, and the white stripes are essentially areas where melanin is not present.
Beneath their striped fur, zebras have black skin. If a zebra were shaved, without any stripes it would appear almost entirely black, highlighting that the black colouration is fundamental to their biology. The development of stripes in animals is complex and involves genetic mechanisms. In zebras, the pattern of stripes is determined by genes that control melanin production. Researchers have identified genes like Alx3 that play a role in inhibiting melanin production in certain areas, potentially contributing to the formation of white stripes.
Zebras are indeed black with white stripes, a conclusion supported by the biology of their fur and skin. While the purpose of their stripes remains unclear, ongoing research continues to explore various theories. Whether it’s protection from biting flies or thermoregulation, the mystery of zebra stripes remains one of the interesting topics of discussion for scientists and animal lovers alike.
