In a large study of African zebras, researchers found that zebra stripes correlated closely with temperature and precipitation, not the prevalence of lions. Scientists began studying these possibilities when they noticed that zebras in hotter areas tended to have more stripes. Instead, researchers have discovered that stripes may have two other purposes: regulation of body temperature and deterring biting flies. Researchers have noted that many other grazing animals in Africa have not developed similar striping to deter predators. Recent studies, however, have cast doubt upon the popular camouflage theory. This illusion may confuse predators, making it difficult for them to pick out a single animal to attack. When a large number of zebras move together, their stripes could appear to be one large animal running. Some biologists also believe the zebra's stripes may be helpful when zebras run in a herd. A zebra's stripes, however, help it blend in with grasses and brush, making it much more difficult to see. A solid-color dark horse standing in light-colored tall grass would be very obvious. Imagine that you can only see black, white and shades of gray. Scientists who study animals - called zoologists - believe that the zebra's pattern is a sort of camouflage that helps it hide from predators. In the wild, the zebra's main predator is the lion, an animal known to be color blind.

That might not be the case when it comes to a zebra's predators, however. The zebra's black and white striped pattern could not be more obvious. Whether roaming around the zoo or running across the Serengeti, the zebra is an animal that sticks out. Much like a fingerprint, the stripes on a zebra are unique. Although most people tend to think of the zebra as a white animal with black stripes, scientists have discovered that the zebra is actually a black animal with white stripes.

Are zebras with black stripes black