WHAT IS THE TRUE PURPOSE OF ZEBRA STRIPES: A REVIEW

Coloration has been studied in different species across the animal kingdom and has been shown to be important for several mechanisms, such as sexual selection and survival in mammals and birds. The zebra's striking black and white striped pelage has intrigued people for centuries and has captured the attention of many biologists, but its evolutionary origins and adaptive significance remain unsolved. Currently, as much as 18 different theories have been proposed for striping in zebras. Functional hypotheses fall into four broad categories: 1) camouflage against predators; 2) thermoregulation; 3) reinforcement of social interactions; 4) avoidance of ectoparasite attacks – „the ectoparasite hypothesis“. A consensus is emerging among biologists regarding the function of the black and white striped pelage of zebras, which supports the ectoparasite hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that stripping in the pelage of zebras is an evolutionary response to ectoparasitic burdens, specifically biting flies, because such stripes inhibit their vision system. However, the exact mechanism by which stripes prevent flies from feeding on blood is not as well understood. This article reviews the major hypotheses for zebra striping and evaluates the growing consensus around the ectoparasite hypothesis, while highlighting the need for further empirical research to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.